The Apprentice 2023: Complete Cast List and Contestants
“The Apprentice”is a biographical drama that chronicles Donald Trump’s ascent in the real estate industry during the late 20th century. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film explores the complex relationship between Trump and his attorney, Roy Cohn, set against the backdrop of 1970s and 1980s New York City.
The project was initially announced in 2018 but faced delays for several years before moving forward.
In the fall of 2023, notable actors Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan joined Abbasi to bring the film to fruition. “The Apprentice”made its debut on May 20, 2024, at the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival and subsequently hit theaters on October 11, 2024. The official synopsis featured on Rotten Tomatoes describes the film as follows:
A young Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan), driven to establish his identity as the ambitious second son of a wealthy family in 1970s New York, falls under the influence of Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), the ruthless lawyer who would play a pivotal role in shaping the Donald Trump of today.
The synopsis continues:
“Cohn recognizes in Trump the ideal mentee — a figure with unbridled ambition, a relentless drive for success, and an eagerness to go to any lengths to achieve victory.”
Cast of “The Apprentice”Explored
1) Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump
Sebastian Stan portrays a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice,”highlighting his emergence as a key player in the real estate game. The narrative addresses the controversies surrounding Trump’s father, Fred Trump, a real estate magnate implicated in discriminatory practices against African-American tenants and under federal scrutiny. To navigate this turmoil, Trump seeks the counsel of Cohn.
Stan, a Romanian-American performer, is best known for his role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His acting career began with television series like “Gossip Girl”(2007), “Once Upon a Time”(2012), and “Political Animals”(2012) before he transitioned to supporting roles in significant films, including “Captain America: The First Avenger”(2011), “The Martian”(2015), and recent works like “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”(2021) and “A Different Man”(2024).
2) Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn
In “The Apprentice,”Jeremy Strong embodies Roy Cohn, a controversial New York lawyer famed for prosecuting Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were accused of espionage. Cohn meets Trump in a restaurant and then assists him in extricating his father from legal issues, forming a unique friendship in the process.
Strong gained fame for his portrayal of Kendall Roy in the acclaimed HBO series “Succession.”With educational backgrounds from Yale University and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, his notable film credits include “Lincoln”(2012), “Selma”(2014), and “Armageddon Time”(2022).
3) Maria Bakalova as Ivana Marie Trump
Maria Bakalova portrays Ivana Zelníčková, a Czech model who becomes enamored with Trump, leading to their marriage. However, their relationship sours as Ivana pursues her ambitions in interior design.
Bakalova is a Bulgarian actress best known for her role as Tutar in the film “Borat”(2020). Her filmography also includes “The Father”(2019) and “Bodies Bodies Bodies”(2022), in addition to lending her voice to Cosmo the Spacedog in the MCU.
4) Martin Donovan as Fred Trump
Martin Donovan takes on the role of Frederick Christ Trump, Donald’s father, who faced allegations of racial discrimination in his real estate dealings. Cohn’s assistance is pivotal in dealing with the fallout from these accusations, while the father-son bond deteriorates over time due to ego clashes.
Donovan has frequently collaborated with filmmaker Hal Hartley, appearing in works like “Trust”(1990) and “Insomnia”(2002) by Christopher Nolan.
Supporting Cast of “The Apprentice”
The film features a talented supporting cast, including:
- Catherine McNally as Mary Anne Trump
- Ben Sullivan as Ruddell Eldridge
- Charlie Carrick as Freddy Trump
- Joe Pingue as Fat Tony Salerno
- Mark Rendall as Roger Stone
- Bruce Beaton as Andy Warhol
- Jim Monaco as The Ant
- Valerie O’Connor as Rona Barrett
- Ian D. Clark as Ed Koch
- Ron Lea as Victor Palmeiri
- James Madge as Tom Bolan
- Edie Inksetter as Barbara Katz
- Michael Hough as Kinney
- Robert J. Tavenor
“The Apprentice”is currently screening in theaters, receiving a mix of positive and critical feedback.
Leave a Reply