Sebastian Stan: Saved by $65K Residuals Before Winter Soldier Role

Sebastian Stan has opened up about the challenges he faced in his acting career before landing his iconic role as the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed that a timely residuals payment from his role in the 2010 film Hot Tub Time Machine was pivotal in sustaining him financially during a tough period.

"I was actually struggling with work," Stan admitted. "I had just gotten off the phone with my business manager, who told me I was saved by $65,000 that came in residuals from Hot Tub Time Machine." This unexpected financial lifeline came just before he took on the role of James "Bucky" Barnes in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, where he played the antagonist Blaine in Hot Tub Time Machine.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige praised Stan's casting, noting that despite being a relatively unknown actor at the time, he had a compelling presence. "You could see that he has so much inside him and so much behind his eyes. I’ll never forget that," Feige told Vanity Fair. He added, "I said to Stephen Broussard, who was one of the producers on Captain America, 'He’s going to be a good Bucky, but he’s going to be a great Winter Soldier.'"

Stan's portrayal of Bucky Barnes, who later becomes the Winter Soldier, has been a significant part of the MCU. He reprised his role in several films, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), multiple Avengers movies, and the recent Captain America: Brave New World. He is also set to return as the character in the upcoming film Thunderbolts. Furthermore, Stan's name appeared in the cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday, indicating that fans can expect to see more of Bucky in the MCU's future.