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

Sebastian Stan opened up about his career challenges before securing the pivotal role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Stan shared that he was financially rescued by a $65,000 residuals check from his role in the 2010 film, Hot Tub Time Machine, just before he landed the part of James "Bucky" Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011. In Hot Tub Time Machine, Stan played the antagonist Blaine, and his career trajectory took a significant turn when he starred alongside Chris Evans in the Captain America franchise.

“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.”

Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, expressed enthusiasm for 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 to Vanity Fair. “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 him reprising the role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), various Avengers films, and this year's Captain America: Brave New World. He is also set to return as the superhero in next month's Thunderbolts. Additionally, Stan's name appeared in the cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday, signaling his continued presence in the Marvel universe.