What happened to Sebastian Stan’s character in A Different Man? Explained
Sebastian Stan triumphed at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, earning the Best Actor accolade for his performance in A Different Man. The announcement, made during the 82nd Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton, Los Angeles, marked his first Golden Globe win.
Stan's portrayal of a complex and multilayered character put him up against talented actors like Jesse Eisenberg, Hugh Grant, and Gabriel LaBelle, resonating deeply with both audiences and critics. In his acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to his family and spoke out for acceptance.
In A Different Man, Stan plays Edward Lemuel, a struggling actor with neurofibromatosis, a disfiguring condition. Edward undergoes an experimental medical procedure to cure his condition, leading to a new identity as "Guy Moratz."
However, his life spirals into chaos as he becomes consumed by envy and personal failures. Ultimately, Edward loses everything, including his career, relationships, and freedom.
A Different Man, a black comedy psychological thriller directed by Aaron Schimberg, premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. It was released in September 2024 by A24 and starred Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Adam Pearson. The film garnered significant interest for its exploration of identity, insecurity, and change, earning Stan widespread praise and awards.
Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers from A Different Man. Reader's discretion is advised.
All about Sebastian Stan’s character and what happened in the end?
A Different Man follows Edward Lemuel, a socially awkward actor struggling with a facial disfigurement caused by neurofibromatosis. Edward's life takes a dramatic turn after he befriends Ingrid Vold, a playwright inspired to write a play about his experiences.
Consumed by insecurities, Edward undergoes an experimental medical procedure that cures his condition but leads to an identity crisis. Renaming himself "Guy Moratz," Edward fakes his own death to sever ties with his past.
Edward auditions for Ingrid’s play, ironically based on his life, but struggles with his role. He grows jealous of Oswald, another actor with neurofibromatosis who joins the cast and quickly overshadows him. Ingrid ultimately replaces Edward with Oswald, and the play becomes a success, pushing Edward further into a psychological breakdown.
In the climax, Edward attacks Oswald during a performance, resulting in severe injuries. As his mental state deteriorates, Edward commits a violent crime and ends up in jail. Years later, he reunites with Ingrid and Oswald, now a married and successful couple, highlighting the stark contrast between their lives and his shattered existence.
Sebastian Stan's career and achievements
Born in Constanța, Romania, on August 13, 1982, Sebastian Stan is a Romanian-American actor praised for his adaptability. He became widely known as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). His acting range has been highlighted in acclaimed films including I, Tonya (2017) and Pam & Tommy (2022).
Early in his career, Stan made appearances in TV shows including Once Upon a Time and Gossip Girl. His performances in movies like Logan Lucky and The Martian solidified his name. In 2024, he delivered two highly regarded performances in A Different Man and The Apprentice, earning praise that included a Golden Globe for the former.
With a career spanning over two decades, Stan continues to evolve as an actor, taking on diverse roles and challenging narratives.
Plot of A Different Man
Edward Lemuel, the protagonist of A Different Man, is plagued by insecurity and disfigurement. Ingrid, Edward's neighbor and aspirant playwright, provides him with comfort and inspiration to compose a play that explores his challenges.
To reinvent himself, Edward undergoes a revolutionary medical procedure that significantly alters his appearance. Nevertheless, he is unable to achieve happiness and instead adopts the alias "Guy Moratz," a persona filled with deception.
Edward's mental state is disrupted as a result of his participation in Ingrid's play as Guy. Edward's jealousy and paranoia reach their zenith when Oswald joins the production. Edward is further alienated when Ingrid, who is unaware of his true identity, forms a bond with Oswald.
The conclusion of the film is both tragic and ironic. Edward's life descends into disorder as he loses his career, friends, and mental equilibrium. The lasting impact of his choices is revealed in his final encounter with Ingrid and Oswald, leaving audiences with a haunting reflection on acceptance and identity.
Stay tuned for more news and updates on A Different Man and Sebastian Stan as the new year progresses. Follow us to get more updates on The Golden Globe Awards 2025.
