During a press conference for the film “A Different Man,” which explores the transformation of a man with a craniofacial condition through surgery, Sebastian Stan, who plays the transformed character, took issue with a journalist’s use of the word ‘beast’ to describe the character before the surgery. The film also features Adam Pearson as an actor portraying Stan’s character in a stage play about his life.

The reporter asked about the transformation from the “so-called beast” to the “perfect man,” prompting Stan to challenge the choice of words. He expressed the importance of using the right vocabulary, emphasizing that the situation is more complex than the term ‘beast’ suggests. Stan highlighted the film’s message about challenging preconceived ideas and the need for better understanding.

Stan stated, “I feel to some extent that’s one of the things the film is saying, you know, is that we have these preconceived ideas. We’re not really educated on how to really understand this experience.” He encouraged viewers to adopt an objective point of view while experiencing the film to reconsider initial instincts.

People on social media supported Stan for calling out the reporter, commending him for defending and supporting a fellow colleague and actor. One person praised him for addressing the issue “politely and eloquently.”

At the Sundance premiere, Adam Pearson, who has neurofibromatosis, shared how he and Stan found common ground, emphasizing the invasion of privacy that comes with public visibility, drawing a parallel between their experiences.