Jeremy Strong, renowned for his compelling performances, recently revealed a quirky moment from his role in the upcoming Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice. Appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Strong discussed his portrayal of infamous lawyer Roy Cohn and a humorous scene that didn’t make the final cut.
A Unique Take on Roy Cohn
In The Apprentice, which focuses on Cohn’s mentorship of a young Donald Trump, Strong embraces the complexities of his character. Describing Cohn as both “one of the worst humans of the 20th century” and a “demonic Peter Pan,” he highlights the fascinating contradictions that define this historical figure.
During his interview, Strong disclosed an amusing anecdote about a scene involving Cohn’s quirky fascination with frogs. “He had a room of stuffed frogs and frog figurines,” Strong explained, setting the stage for a comedic moment that showcased his character’s eccentricity.
The Cut Frog Scene
In a moment of levity, Strong recalled a specific scene that was ultimately cut from the film. He humorously detailed how he donned a full-body frog suit and performed the song “I Am What I Am” from La Cage Aux Folles while interacting with a young Trump, played by Sebastian Stan. “We did shoot a scene… but it’s not in the movie. I think it should be,” he remarked, prompting laughter from the audience.
Colbert encouraged Strong to share this delightful tidbit, emphasizing the importance of fun in acting, even when portraying serious figures.
A Humanistic Approach
Beyond the humor, Strong discussed the depth of his role, emphasizing a humanistic approach to the film. “I came to this not as a Democrat or a Republican, but as a humanist,” he stated. He believes that cinema should reflect the complexities of human experience, akin to Shakespeare’s idea of holding a mirror up to nature.
The film aims to explore the societal pressures that shaped Donald Trump, providing insight into the environment that influenced his rise in politics and business. Strong views this project as an important exploration of human nature during a pivotal moment in history.
Using ChatGPT for Inspiration
In a candid moment, Strong admitted to using ChatGPT to help craft a personal anecdote for his interview. The actor read a story generated by the AI about his adventures in farming and dealing with “rebellious” chickens. He humorously noted that ChatGPT had even suggested a story about risotto with saffron, which Colbert suggested they save for another time.
Conclusion
The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, is set to hit theaters on October 11, 2023. With Jeremy Strong’s unique portrayal of Roy Cohn and a blend of humor and depth, the film promises to engage audiences in a conversation about the historical figures who shaped our political landscape.
