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

Sebastian Stan, known for his role as the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), opened up about his career challenges before landing the iconic part. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed that a crucial $65,000 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." This financial boost came just before he was cast as James "Bucky" Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011, where he starred alongside Chris Evans.

Stan's portrayal of the antagonist Blaine in Hot Tub Time Machine paved the way for his MCU journey. MCU chief Kevin Feige shared his early belief in Stan's potential with Vanity Fair, stating, "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 role as the Winter Soldier has been pivotal in the MCU, reprising it in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), multiple Avengers films, and the recent Captain America: Brave New World. He is also set to return in the upcoming Thunderbolts. Additionally, Stan's inclusion in the cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday confirms Bucky's continued presence in the MCU.