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In November, it shocked many when it was revealed that no one was willing to pair up with Sebastian Stan for the latest edition of Variety’s *Actors on Actors*.
For those unfamiliar, *Actors on Actors* began in 2014, bringing together two stars for a detailed conversation about their recent projects in the lead-up to awards season. Over the years, the series has featured iconic pairings such as Robert Pattinson with Jennifer Lopez and Cillian Murphy with Margot Robbie.
Sebastian starred in two critically praised films last year: *A Different Man* and *The Apprentice*. In the latter, he portrayed President-elect Donald Trump, and this role is said to have prevented other actors from joining him on *Actors on Actors*.
The biographical movie explores Trump’s life and career during the 1970s and 1980s, featuring several controversial moments, including a scene depicting him assaulting his first wife, Ivana. Trump strongly opposed the film, and according to *Variety*, Steven Cheung, the communications director for Trump’s presidential campaign, attempted to block its release earlier in the year. Trump’s legal team reportedly sent a cease-and-desist letter due to the negative portrayal. The film’s producers responded, claiming, 'The film is a fair and balanced portrayal of the former president. We want everyone to see it and make their own decision.' Trump himself dismissed *The Apprentice* as 'a cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job' and labeled those involved as 'human scum.'
Sebastian Stan shed light on the industry's reaction to the film during a Los Angeles screening in November, where he was joined by the film's director, Ali Abbasi.
Sebastian spoke about the overwhelming support he received from prominent actors, directors, producers, and writers who praised the film. 'But when I was invited to do *Variety’s Actors on Actors* this Friday, I couldn’t find another actor willing to join me,' he shared. 'They were too scared to discuss this movie, so I couldn’t participate. But that's fine, it’s not about pointing fingers — I’ve had the chance to do great things.' He clarified, 'It’s not about calling anyone out specifically; the issue was that we couldn’t get past the publicists because they were too afraid to talk about this film.' Sebastian added, 'That’s when we really face a problem — if fear or discomfort prevents us from discussing this, we’re in trouble.' He also referenced a *New York Times* op-ed, stating, 'We have to stop pretending Trump is not one of us.' He acknowledged that it’s a tough situation to handle but stressed that understanding Trump’s rise is essential. 'We need to look deeper into what’s driving this,' he concluded. The response from social media users was one of shock, with some speculating that publicists feared Trump’s retaliation if their clients discussed the movie with Sebastian.
In a recent interview with *Variety*, Sebastian shared that he was invited to join *Actors on Actors*, but they were unable to find the right pairing for him.
On the *Awards Circuit* podcast, Sebastian admitted he was 'disappointed' by the response from his fellow actors. He expressed that he had truly enjoyed his past experience on the show. He also mentioned that if *The Apprentice* was too controversial, they could have simply discussed his other film, *A Different Man*. He reiterated that while many in the industry privately admired the film, they were reluctant to offer public support.
Sebastian shared, 'It was disappointing because I had an amazing experience working with Jennifer Aniston on *Pam & Tommy*, and I really enjoy *Actors on Actors*. It’s an opportunity to learn about someone else's process, and when I look at the performances this year, I have so many questions for people.'
Sebastian remarked, 'I also had *A Different Man*, too... we could have...,' before trailing off and admitting, 'But honestly, it wasn’t all that surprising because that’s what I was trying to convey back in November.' He continued, 'From Cannes onward, we’ve received countless emails, texts, and compliments from people at events or parties saying things like, ‘This is my favorite movie of the year, you guys were incredible, so brave, you nailed it.' It's been overwhelming.' He added, 'It felt like it was really connecting with people — people we admire and have looked up to in the industry. But when it came to leaders like CEOs, studio heads, or fellow actors and directors taking a public stand or even just saying, ‘Hey, I saw the film, it was great from a work standpoint,’ there was hesitation.' 'Actors on Actors' seemed to be another example of that.'
In a different part of the interview, Sebastian shared that *The Apprentice* was 'the hardest thing' he’s ever done. He explained, 'Not just because of the complexity of playing Trump, but because of the intense reaction it triggered.'
Sebastian confessed, 'I had people telling me not to take the role. They warned it could alienate people, that I didn’t resemble him, that it was too risky. But for me, acting is about embracing the uncomfortable... it's about exploring humanity, even in its darkest corners.' When talking about Trump more generally, he said, 'He’s given people the freedom to abandon their humanity, to act in ways they never would have before. That’s what frightens me the most. The true opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. And that’s the kind of indifference we’re seeing now.'
