Sebastian Stan has opened up about the challenges he faced in his acting career before landing the pivotal role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed that a significant residuals payment from his role in the 2010 film Hot Tub Time Machine was a lifeline 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." In the film, Stan played the antagonist Blaine, which provided him with the financial cushion he needed before stepping into the shoes of James "Bucky" Barnes in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger alongside Chris Evans.
Marvel Studios' chief, Kevin Feige, expressed his confidence in Stan's casting despite his relative obscurity at the time. "You could see that he has so much inside him and so much behind his eyes. I’ll never forget that," Feige remarked. "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 the Winter Soldier has been a cornerstone of the MCU, with the actor reprising the role in multiple films including Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), various Avengers movies, and the recent Captain America: Brave New World. Fans can look forward to seeing him again in the upcoming Thunderbolts. Moreover, Stan's inclusion in the cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday confirms that Bucky will continue to be a significant part of the MCU's future.
