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 (MCU). In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed that a residuals payment of $65,000 from his role as Blaine in the 2010 film Hot Tub Time Machine was a lifeline for him at a time when he was struggling to find work. This financial boost came just before he was cast as James "Bucky" Barnes in the 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger, where he starred alongside Chris Evans.

"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 also shared his early impressions of Stan with Vanity Fair, noting that Marvel Studios saw great potential in him 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 Bucky Barnes, who later becomes the Winter Soldier, has been a significant part of the MCU. He reprised the role in several films, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), various Avengers movies, and the recent Captain America: Brave New World. He is also set to return as the character in the upcoming film Thunderbolts. Furthermore, Stan's name was included in the cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday, indicating that fans can look forward to seeing Bucky in future MCU projects.