Sebastian Stan said he did not expect to shave his head for his role in the film Fjord. He said director Cristian Mungiu wanted to change Stan’s appearance and that of actress Renate Reinsve so their looks would not distract from the story. During rehearsals in Romania, the cast had camera tests and fittings, after which Mungiu told Stan he wanted him to shave his head. They also attended services of a religious cult and explored Romanian culture.