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 lifeline during a tough period. He played the antagonist Blaine in that science fiction comedy before landing the part of James "Bucky" Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011.

"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."

MCU chief Kevin Feige expressed to Vanity Fair that Marvel Studios saw immense potential in Stan, even though he was relatively unknown 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 Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier has since become a cornerstone of the MCU. He reprised his 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 return as the character in the upcoming film Thunderbolts. Additionally, Stan's name was included in the cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday, indicating that fans can expect to see more of Bucky in the MCU's future.