Sebastian Stan has expressed his desire to evolve as an actor, stating that his journey within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) served merely as “step one” in his career. The 43-year-old actor, renowned for his portrayal of Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier across seven films, is keen to explore more diverse roles beyond the superhero genre.
In a recent interview on Don Saldino’s Stronger Podcast, Stan emphasized the importance of personal growth and artistic challenge. “I have to try to offer something different than before,” he stated. His experience within the Marvel franchise, he noted, has significantly shaped him both personally and professionally. He remarked that the relationships he built with colleagues like Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson were invaluable, providing him with a sense of belonging and community.
New Opportunities in His 40s
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Stan expressed gratitude for the opportunities he is receiving at this stage of his life. “I’m lucky that it’s happening in my 40s, and it didn’t happen earlier for me,” he explained. He acknowledged the impressive accomplishments of younger actors such as Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler, noting that he was not ready for such success at their age. “I wasn’t caught up yet,” he said, admiring where they are in their careers and contemplating their future paths.
Stan also revealed that his upbringing in Romania, before moving to the United States, contributed to his journey in the industry. He stated, “There was a significant part of my youth that I had to spend to get Americanised or to fit in.” This experience, he believes, has shaped his artistic identity and gave him the patience needed to pursue the projects he truly desires.
Tackling Controversial Roles
One of Stan’s upcoming projects that showcases his willingness to tackle challenging roles is his portrayal of Donald Trump in the 2024 film The Apprentice. The film explores Trump’s rise in the business world prior to his political career. During an appearance on Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Stan shared the difficulties he faced in accepting the role. “This film has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he stated, highlighting the complexities of embodying such a polarizing figure.
Stan encountered advice cautioning him against taking the role due to potential backlash. “They said it might alienate people, that I didn’t look like him, that it was too dangerous,” he recalled. Yet, for Stan, acting is about confronting the uncomfortable aspects of humanity, even in its darkest forms. His commitment to understanding complex characters is evident as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.
As Stan transitions from the superhero spotlight to more diverse and challenging roles, he remains committed to personal growth and artistic exploration. With each project, he aims to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a versatile actor in today’s entertainment landscape.
