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

Sebastian Stan has candidly shared the challenges he faced in his career before securing the pivotal role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a revealing interview with Vanity Fair, Stan disclosed how a $65,000 residuals payment from his role as Blaine in the 2010 film "Hot Tub Time Machine" was a financial lifeline during a tough period. This unexpected windfall came just before he was cast as James "Bucky" Barnes in "Captain America: The First Avenger" in 2011, 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.”

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige expressed his confidence in Stan, despite his relative obscurity at the time. Feige noted to Vanity Fair, “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 portrayal of the Winter Soldier has since become iconic, with the actor reprising the role in multiple films including "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014), "Captain America: Civil War" (2016), various Avengers movies, "Captain America: Brave New World" released earlier this year, and the upcoming "Thunderbolts" slated for next month. His continued presence in the MCU was further confirmed with his inclusion in the cast reveal for "Avengers: Doomsday," indicating that fans can look forward to seeing more of Bucky Barnes in future Marvel projects.