Sebastian Stan, known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently spoke about the big reactions he received from New Yorkers while in full prosthetic makeup for his latest film A Different Man. The actor’s transformation was so intense that even he was left feeling unsettled by the experience.
A Bold New Role
In A Different Man, Stan portrays Edward, an aspiring actor suffering from neurofibromatosis (NF1), a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow along the nerves. Edward undergoes a drastic facial reconstruction surgery, which leads to emotional turmoil and an identity crisis. The role called for extensive prosthetics, and for that, Stan turned to renowned makeup artist Mike Marino.
Marino, who previously worked on The Batman and HBO’s The Penguin, was a natural choice for the job. His ability to create transformative makeup effects is well-known in the industry, and Stan was determined to collaborate with him for this film.
Commitment to Transformation
To prepare for the role, Stan agreed to a rigorous makeup routine. He would walk to Marino’s home in New York City’s SoHo district in the early hours of the morning, around 4 or 5 a.m., and endure hours of makeup application. By the time the prosthetics were complete, Stan looked completely unrecognizable.
Instead of heading directly to set, there were times when Stan would wander through the streets of Manhattan in full makeup. He recalls strolling up and down Broadway, grabbing a coffee or sitting at a cafe, all while disguised as his character Edward.
Stan admits that these moments were terrifying, not just because of the prosthetics, but because of the public reactions. “I was scared. I didn’t know what people would think,” he shared. He described how New Yorkers, typically known for being unfazed by celebrity sightings, couldn’t help but stare. Some people even gave him wide-eyed looks, confused or curious about his appearance.
The Genius Behind the Makeup
Mike Marino’s expertise in makeup and prosthetics played a crucial role in Stan’s transformation. Marino had previously earned an Oscar nomination for his work on The Batman, where he made Colin Farrell completely unrecognizable as Oswald Cobblepot, also known as The Penguin.
For A Different Man, Marino worked closely with Stan to ensure that the makeup accurately depicted neurofibromatosis. It was a delicate balance between creating a realistic portrayal of the condition while also making sure that Stan could still act through the prosthetics.
Marino discussed the process of designing Edward’s look, saying, “The key was making sure that Sebastian’s performance wasn’t hidden behind the makeup. We wanted the prosthetics to enhance the character but not overshadow the emotions he needed to convey.”
The Story Behind A Different Man
The film centers around Edward’s internal and external transformation after undergoing facial reconstruction surgery. Though he believes the surgery will change his life for the better, Edward is thrust into a downward emotional spiral when he loses the role of a lifetime to Oswald, played by actor Adam Pearson.
Pearson, who also has neurofibromatosis, portrays a character who leads a more fulfilling life than Edward, both before and after the surgery. The stark contrast between the two characters highlights Edward’s struggle with his identity and sense of self-worth.
Stan explained how the film delves into themes of self-acceptance, societal expectations, and the pressure to conform to certain standards of beauty. “It’s a deeply emotional story,” Stan noted. “Edward believes that changing his appearance will change who he is, but he quickly realizes that it’s not that simple.”
The Psychological Toll of the Transformation
While the physical transformation was challenging, Stan revealed that the emotional toll of the role was even more intense. Walking around in public with the prosthetics gave him a small taste of what life might be like for someone with a visible physical difference, like Edward or Oswald.
“I felt incredibly vulnerable,” Stan confessed. “It’s one thing to be in front of a camera with makeup, but it’s another thing to walk around in the real world, interacting with people. You start to see how people’s perceptions change just based on your appearance.”
Stan believes that this experience helped him better understand his character’s inner turmoil. “It’s easy to say ‘don’t care what other people think,’ but when you feel those stares, it’s hard not to be affected.”
Reaction from the Public
Sebastian Stan’s transformation sparked a wave of reactions from New Yorkers who encountered him on the streets. Many were caught off guard by his appearance, while others were simply curious about the man behind the prosthetics. The boldness of Stan’s decision to walk around Manhattan in full makeup drew both admiration and intrigue.
“I could see people looking at me and trying to figure out what was going on,” Stan shared with a laugh. “Some of them probably thought I was just some guy in costume, but others seemed genuinely concerned.”
Despite the initial shock, Stan said that he appreciated the experience for what it was – an opportunity to connect with his character on a deeper level and to gain insight into the challenges that people with visible physical differences might face in society.
Working with Mike Marino: A Dream Come True
For Sebastian Stan, working with Mike Marino was a career highlight. “Mike is one of the best in the business,” Stan remarked. “He has this incredible ability to take a vision and bring it to life in a way that feels real, not just for the audience, but for the actor too.”
Marino, in turn, praised Stan’s dedication to the role. “Sebastian was all in,” Marino said. “He was willing to go through hours of makeup and to push himself outside of his comfort zone. That’s what made this transformation so powerful.”
A New Challenge for Sebastian Stan
- A Different Man* represents a significant departure from the roles that fans of Sebastian Stan are accustomed to seeing him in. Known for playing the Winter Soldier in Marvel’s Captain America films and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, this new film allows Stan to showcase a different side of his acting abilities.
“This role challenged me in ways I wasn’t expecting,” Stan admitted. “It forced me to think differently about acting, about appearance, and about how we see ourselves and others.”
Critical Acclaim for the Transformation
As A Different Man nears its release, early reactions to Sebastian Stan’s performance and transformation are overwhelmingly positive. Critics have praised the combination of Stan’s emotional depth and the stunning makeup work by Mike Marino.
Some have already speculated that Stan’s commitment to the role could earn him nominations during awards season. “It’s rare to see an actor willing to go this far for a role,” one critic noted. “Sebastian Stan’s performance is both haunting and deeply moving.”
Final Thoughts: Pushing Boundaries
Sebastian Stan’s work on A Different Man serves as a testament to his willingness to push boundaries and take risks as an actor. His transformation, both physical and emotional, is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences when the film hits theaters.
For Stan, the experience was nothing short of transformative. “It’s one of those roles that stays with you,” he said. “I learned so much from playing Edward, not just as an actor, but as a person.”
As A Different Man continues to generate buzz, fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating the full scope of Stan’s performance and the impact of his collaboration with Mike Marino.
