Ali Abbasi on Sebastian Stans physical transformation in The Apprentice

Director Ali Abbasi has revealed the detailed process behind Sebastian Stan’s transformation into Donald Trump in the upcoming historical drama The Apprentice. The film, set to release in India on October 18, 2024, chronicles Trump’s early years in 1970s New York, portraying his rise in real estate under the guidance of notorious attorney Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong.

Abbasi shared that extensive prosthetic work was essential to authentically depict Trump’s physical evolution. “We tried numerous prosthetic tests to find the perfect balance between accuracy and impression,” Abbasi explained. The goal wasn’t to mimic Trump’s exact look but to capture the essence of his persona. “It’s not about nailing the exact same hairdo, but creating the same roughness and impression,” he added.

Throughout the 1980s, Trump underwent multiple cosmetic changes that defined his image. Abbasi ensured that Stan’s portrayal reflected this evolution, paying close attention to Trump’s changing hairstyles, mannerisms, and growing fame. The Apprentice offers a deep dive into Trump’s ambition and his complex relationship with power, laying the groundwork for his future political career.