Stan stars as a young Trump in the new film The Apprentice, which debuted at Cannes in May and hit theaters in October. In his interview, he encouraged Americans to watch the film before casting their votes, reminding the audience, “You have the right to be curious and know what there is to know.” He expressed frustration with how Trump has contributed to public confusion, saying, “You can create your own truth at this point, believe what you want, and that’s what people are doing.”
Reflecting on the film’s immersive portrayal of Trump, Stan highlighted the value of film in exploring complex issues beyond mere facts. He noted, “You hear facts, we all hear information, but you don’t experience it. It’s the experience of being with this person for two hours… Do you really trust that this guy is going to make a decision that’s good for you or good for him?”
Stan, who immigrated to the U.S. from Romania as a child, connected with The Apprentice’s exploration of the American dream. “What started as my judgmental attitude of this guy became something bigger… about a certain mindset and this idea of the American dream as we know it,” he shared, recalling his mother’s hope-filled words when they arrived in New York. Yet the film, he says, questions the cost of ambition when it overshadows humanity.
When asked if he fears backlash for his role and criticism of Trump, Stan acknowledged he’s been advised against it but refuses to be silenced. Recalling his roots, he said, “I come from a place where people were silenced and were taught to live in fear. That was another reason why I was like, ‘I have to do it.’”