Speaking with Variety from a Toronto restaurant during the Toronto International Film Festival, Sebastian Stan discussed two major projects: his return to his Romanian roots in Cristian Mungiu’s English-language debut, Fjord, and his rumored involvement in Matt Reeves’ upcoming The Batman sequel.
In Fjord, Stan plays Mihai, a fundamentalist father whose children are taken by the state in a narrative inspired by real events. The film features Mungiu’s signature long takes and refusal of close-ups, marking Stan’s first performance in Romanian. Stan, who immigrated to the United States as a child, described the project as a long-held goal to reconnect with his heritage and the language he grew up speaking.
The movie has drawn polarized reactions online, with some viewers labeling it “a MAGA movie.” Stan pushed back against this characterization, attributing the label to critics who have not seen the film. He expressed hope that the movie could serve as a bridge in a divided country, noting that it does not assign blame to one side but rather examines universal human flaws. “Kids shouldn’t be the ones paying the price for that,” he said.
On a personal level, Stan reflected on how becoming a father has shifted his perspective. Drawing on his own complicated relationship with his father and the guidance of his stepfather, he questioned how to raise children without passing on unresolved traits. He cited the immigrant advice to “be nice to everybody” as a foundational lesson, though he noted his character’s religious conviction provided a stability he might not have possessed.
Stan also addressed his transition into the DC universe. After meeting with Reeves, who admired his performance in The Apprentice, and reaching out to DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, Stan secured a role in The Batman sequel. While he declined to confirm whether he is playing Harvey Dent, he praised Reeves’ three-year development of the project.
“I go to set sometimes and I look around and I’m like, I think we’re making fucking Godfather Part Two,” Stan said, describing the production as grounded and realistic. He contrasted this with his MCU tenure, stating he is “allergic” to repeating himself and seeks roles that challenge him to disappear into a character rather than rely on celebrity.
When asked for a line from Fjord out of context, Stan joked that the word “cookies” appears in the film, declining to provide anything more revealing before the interview concluded.
His emotional breakdown about fatherhood really added depth to the interview. Makes you wonder about his own journey.
Godfather Part Two comparison is a huge claim for a superhero sequel. I’ll believe it when I see the final cut.
I’m surprised by the MAGA movie label. Stan seems right that it’s about universal flaws, not politics.