Sebastian Stan Defends ‘Fjord’ Amid Criticism

Actor Sebastian Stan spoke about the perceived conservative message of his latest film, “Fjord”, during a feature on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. The movie depicts a Romanian Norwegian Christian couple, played by Stan and actress Renate Reinsve, moving to a Norwegian village and facing allegations of child abuse from what is described as a progressive community. The couple struggles to regain custody of their children from a society wary of their traditional methods.

Host Michael Kosta noted that the movie’s theme of a religious family confronting a European country’s progressive stance seemed “fairly conservative”. Stan agreed with this observation but emphasized that labeling it as “conservative” should not overshadow the film’s core issues.

“Some people might characterize the themes of this movie as fairly conservative. What’s your response to that? Are people overthinking it?” Kosta asked.

Stan responded affirmatively, highlighting that recognizing the movie as conservative should not invalidate the family’s issues or their parental ambitions.

Stan noted, “I think there’s probably always, right, on either side there needs to be an opening of the door, you know, for a sort of more of a back and forth to happen.” He questioned, “When did conservative become so wrong?”

The actor shared that he did not grow up in a religious environment akin to the film’s characters. He challenged audiences to understand the perspectives of families like the one portrayed.

Stan remarked, “As long as there is curiosity at least instead of immediate judgment, maybe there is something else there, but if a family is trying to stay together, we should at least give them the benefit of the doubt, and maybe they are trying to do it for the right reasons.”

During an interview with USA Today, published Thursday, Stan countered claims that the film promotes “right-wing ideology”.

“They’re not understanding the nuances,” Stan told USA Today. “I find it almost laughable to label it a ‘MAGA film’ when it’s essentially about an immigrant family going to a different country and being torn apart.”

Stan highlighted that the movie’s narrative could be applicable in another setting—substituting Norway for the United States and Romania for Mexico, reflecting a broader societal issue.

He commented on how divisive the issue is in America and how quick judgments are often made online, noting, “This judgmental, dismissive attitude that plays out online is quite dangerous and naive – but it’s unfortunately predictable in today’s time.”

The film derives its story from a 2015 real-life case where Norwegian citizens Ruth and Marius Bodnariu had their five children removed under suspicion of abuse and due to their religious beliefs. Their separation lasted seven months until the courts reunited them.

Stan, renowned for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, also portrayed a young Donald Trump in the 2024 movie The Apprentice. Despite his critique of the former president, he defended his decision to take on the role.

Recounting his rationale, Stan told Entertainment Weekly, “There’s also a valid argument to be made in terms of, ‘Well, I know what happened. I know what kind of guy he is. I see him all the time.'” He asserted the importance of normalizing people about whom public opinion is polarized—between staunch supporters and vehement critics.

Commenting on Stan’s dual roles, NewsBusters managing editor Curtis Houck noted the irony in Stan’s statements given his work on The Apprentice, highlighting the contrast between productions embraced by different media circles.