Maria Bakalova portrays Ivana Trump in the new film 'The Apprentice', exploring the challenges and discoveries she faced in bringing the iconic figure to life.
- Oct 14, 2024
AceShowbiz - In her first nonfiction role, Maria Bakalova faced the daunting task of portraying Ivana Trump in "The Apprentice", a film chronicling Donald Trump's rise to power in the 1980s.
"I was nervous...I wanted to not disappoint," Bakalova admitted. Despite her inexperience in playing real-life characters, she meticulously studied Ivana's recordings and appearances to capture her essence.
Ivana Trump, Donald's first wife from 1977 to 1990, was a prominent figure in her own right. Bakalova discovered Ivana's accomplishments and outspokenness, particularly in advocating for equality within marriage.
"It's been a really remarkable achievement," Bakalova said. "She built both of their lives in a lot of ways because she was the brain behind everything in the beginning."
The film centers around Donald Trump's (Sebastian Stan) ascent to power, facilitated by right-wing lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). Bakalova's Ivana becomes a focal point in their relationship, embodying a challenge to Cohn's influence.
Bakalova noted, "It's like a competition for the same guy...It's like a throuple...You have one human being at home, and you have another one that you're dealing with as a work relationship."
The film's production faced obstacles, including opposition from Hollywood studios and actors who feared "humanizing" Trump. The film's portrayal of a rape allegation against Trump also drew legal challenges.
Despite the difficulties, Bakalova and the filmmakers remained determined to release the film. "We've been facing a bit of difficulty...but we did it," Bakalova said.
Bakalova's portrayal of Ivana Trump highlights the complexities and achievements of a woman who played a significant role in shaping Donald Trump's early life and career.