Rishika Shahi
Sebastian Stan has shared insights into his role in the upcoming film A Different Man, where he portrays a character with a facial disfigurement alongside actor Adam Pearson, who has neurofibromatosis. Stan emphasized that the experience was rooted in “trust,” highlighting the importance of collaboration and understanding between actors, especially when tackling sensitive topics related to physical appearance and identity.
The Importance of Trust in Acting
Stan, 42, says Pearson’s life experience proved “incredible” in developing his character Edward, an aspiring actor who has facial reconstruction surgery and becomes fixated on Oswald (Pearson), another man with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Stan spoke with PEOPLE about their A24 drama A Different Man.
“I was kind of gathering different pieces from different places. And a lot of Adam’s experience that he shared with me was really helpful in that regard,” Stan says of Pearson, who at the age of five was diagnosed with the neurogenetic condition that causes thousands of thick, painful tumors to cover his skin. “It’s very easy to work with Adam and I feel like we got along very quickly. I think with [filmmaker Aaron Schimberg] it was all just about trust and making sure that we were all on the same page. And once you have that, it’s just off and running, you know?”He continued.
Pearson talks about disfigurement
“Disfigurement and disability is unique in terms of you don’t get it until you get it. So I have to find parallels to help so I can get [someone’s] hooks into this and sort of process it differently,” he says. “And I always say that the two ways to lose your social anonymity in a society in 2024 are to either have some kind of disagreement or disability or to become a celebrity.”
“And so while [Stan] might not know the level of invasiveness, I feel with kind of pointing, stares and camera phones, he absolutely gets it from the other angle,” Pearson adds.
Despite the fact that Pearson has a small list of acting credits, A Different Man offers a bigger role and a more prominent release than any of his previous movies. Before the film’s press tour, the actor tells PEOPLE that he has “been putting off [the movie’s release] in my mind for quite a while”.
“I instantly thought, ‘Oh crap, this is happening,’ as soon as I sat down on the plane on Sunday. It is currently taking place, “he says. “And my family as a whole are a bit not fussed about it, which is good ’cause it kind of keeps me humble and keeps me in check at home.”
Pearson talks about his acting career
“I’m gonna enjoy this while it’s happening. If this is the end, I’ve gone out on a high,” he says, when asked where his acting career may take him next. “I’ve made some great friends. I’m going to be friends with [Stan] for the rest of my life, if he’s willing.”
“I will take pleasure in this while it is occurring. “If this is the end, I’ve gone out on a high,” he responds to a question about the future direction of his acting career. “I now have some amazing buddies. If [Stan] agrees, I plan to stay friends with him for the rest of my life.” Pearson continues, mockingly alluding to the Marvel Studios CEO and Stan’s portrayal of Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier in the MCU. “We’ll see what happens, but yeah— Kevin Feige, call me,” Pearson says. A Different Man is in theaters now
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