Sebastian Stan feels the US is ‘in a bad place’ under Trump's presidency: ‘Not a laughing matter’

CANNES, FRANCE: Sebastian Stan made it clear that he has serious concerns about what the US is going through under Donald Trump's presidency. During a Cannes press conference on Tuesday, May 19, the actor reflected on how deeply his role in 'The Apprentice' affected him.

When asked how his understanding of the president had changed over time, Stan looked down and shook his head, prompting the room to burst into laughter, as if he were avoiding the question.  Stan quickly turned serious. "It’s just not a laughing matter, to be honest. It isn’t," he said.

Sebastian Stan talks about Trump and 'The Apprentice' at Cannes

Stan returned to Cannes this year with Cristian Mungiu’s 'Fjord' after making headlines at the festival in 2024 for 'The Apprentice,' the controversial film where he portrayed Trump during the rise of his public image. 

Back then, the movie arrived just ahead of the 2024 election. Now, Trump has been back in the Oval Office for over a year, and Stan’s perspective appears even heavier. During the press conference, the tone in the room shifted when the actor addressed the issue.

What began as a casual exchange quickly turned serious as Stan spoke about media pressure, censorship, and the fear surrounding public criticism. “I think we’re in a really, really bad place. I really do,” he said.

“When you’re looking at what’s happening, which is the consolidation of the media, censorship, the threats, the supposed lawsuits that seemingly never end, but don’t actually go anywhere, you know, the writing was on the wall.”

Stan also revealed how difficult the road was for 'The Apprentice' before it even reached audiences. “We were three days before the festival, unsure if the movie was going to play at the festival,” he shared. "But we went through all of it right before Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert and so on."

Even so, Stan believes the controversy surrounding the film may eventually become part of its legacy. “Maybe more people are paying attention to the film, and I think we’ll stand the test of time for that,” he added. “I wish it wasn’t like that.”

What is Sebastian Stan's 'Fjord' all about?

Stan didn’t just reflect on 'The Apprentice' at Cannes, he also spoke about 'Fjord,' Mungiu’s new drama that earned a spot at the prestigious festival. The film stars Stan and Renate Reinsve as a couple trying to build a peaceful life in a remote Norwegian village. 

But things slowly fall apart after their family becomes the subject of disturbing rumors and growing suspicion within the small community. Set against a cold, isolated backdrop, 'Fjord' explores how quickly trust can disappear when fear and judgment take over.