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

Sebastian Stan has opened up about his career challenges before securing the pivotal role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed that a $65,000 residuals payment from his role in the 2010 film Hot Tub Time Machine was a financial lifeline. He played the antagonist Blaine in the science fiction comedy and later joined forces with Chris Evans in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011.

Stan admitted, "I was actually struggling with work. 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."

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige praised Stan's casting, noting his potential even though he was relatively unknown at the time. Feige remarked, "You could see that he has so much inside him and so much behind his eyes. I’ll never forget that. 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 James "Bucky" Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, has been a significant part of the MCU. He reprised the role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), multiple Avengers films, and most recently in Captain America: Brave New World. He is also set to appear in the upcoming film Thunderbolts. With his name included in the cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday, fans can look forward to seeing more of Bucky in the MCU.