Instead, hes also chosen roles that require metamorphoses, discomfort, and the potential to incite change.
We have to normalize it and continue to expose ourselves and our children to it.
[We should] encourage acceptance.
Sebastian Stan onstage Sunday at the Golden GlobesRich Polk
I think maybe Im doing these cold plunges in my acting life too, he says.
I mean, its hell, its not a walk in the park.
Ive definitely lost a lot of sleep over both of these films, particularly the Trump movie.
Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump in ‘The Apprentice’Briarcliff Entertainment / Courtesy Everett Collection
There was a tremendous mental battle that I had to face with myself every night.
I looked at what other people were doing.
I went on YouTube and I said, Give me every Donald Trump impression there is.
Let me just see whats out there in the ether of this person.
He works really hard at presenting this picture of strength, Stan says.
But clearly, if youre really looking very closely, hes anything but.
Hes actually, by nature, basically doing what I did with himself.
That sense of being uncomfortable in ones own skin is something Stan knows too.
So, my childhood was very much like I was even afraid of my name, Sebastian.
I wanted a regular kids name like Anthony or Chris, or something American.
Certainly, withThe Apprentice, that was very true.
So, what does he think about the way in which Hollywood has gone quiet about Trumps impending presidency?
I think there are plenty of people that are just exhausted, he says.
Its complicated, its not just one word or one answer.
I guess I wasnt surprised at somebodys reaction like that, he says.
You should feel rage.
Rage is OK. At least let it come out.
Lets meet these things rather than suppressing them.
Its like weve habituated in certain ways that are really insensitive, and people are horrible to each other.
I mean, people are pushing people in front of subway trains and driving trucks [into crowds].
Stan ultimately believes that those in power have not upheld a positive example.
Compassion and empathy were key to his role in the Aaron Schimberg-directedA Different Man.
Adam Pearson (Under the Skin), stars as Oswald and has neurofibromatosis in real life.
Edward was very similar to other peoples accounts I found online when I was researching.
Its a real distrust that you have with people.
I ask him if he couldnt liken that sense of distrust to how it feels to be famous.
Pearson also was very open with Stan about how to destigmatize disability.
What is the condition you have?
or, How are you feeling?
or, Whats going on?
is much more invited, from what Ive been told.
For Stan the film is truly about normalizing our exposure to people being different in a much bigger way.
And that its power is in its presentation of Pearsons character.
Its a little bit likeThe Breakfast Club.
I think audiences just, theyknow.
