Sebastian Stan criticizes Trump for trying to “censor” his film

Following the premiere of the Donald Trump biopic The apprenticeSebastian Stan, who portrays the controversial reality TV star turned president, accuses Trump of attempted censorship.

“He tried to censor this film and at the same time he claims that he recognizes free speech… I can’t think of anything more hypocritical,” Stan said The Hollywood Reporter at the BFI London Film Festival.

In typical Trump fashion, the presidential candidate hasn’t minced words when it comes to his feelings surrounding the Ali Abbasi-directed film. He called it “FAKE” and “CLASSLESS” in a rant on Sunday Truth Social after the film struggled to find an audience in its opening weekend.

“It is a cheap, defamatory and politically repugnant hatchet job carried out just before the 2024 presidential election to damage the greatest political movement in our country’s history,” Trump said.

In addition to criticizing Trump’s hypocrisy, Stan also discussed whether or not the film could influence Americans ahead of Election Day next month.

“I don’t know, but I hope that people, regardless of their opinions, are curious enough to dig deeper,” he urged potential viewers. “Because I think we live in a world where it’s so easy to hear one opinion everywhere.”

Stan says that at its core, the film is about Trump “as a character” and he tells people watching the film, “Forget the politics and just go in, use your instincts and ask yourself: Do you trust this man?” That’s what the film is about.”

The film depicts the presidential candidate’s escapades as a New York businessman in the 1970s and 1980s. ConsequenceJeremy Strong also plays Roy Cohn, Trump’s real-life lawyer who served as his nefarious right-hand man and mentor.