Sebastian Stan 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 mentioned that he was rescued financially by a $65,000 residuals payment from "Hot Tub Time Machine" just before he portrayed James "Bucky" Barnes in the first "Captain America" film. He played the antagonist Blaine in the 2010 sci-fi comedy and later starred alongside Chris Evans in "Captain America: The First Avenger."
"I was really struggling with work," Stan recalled. "I had just finished talking to my business manager when I found out I was saved by $65,000 from 'Hot Tub Time Machine' residuals."
Kevin Feige, the head of the MCU, told Vanity Fair that Stan was always on Marvel Studios' radar for the Winter Soldier role despite being relatively unknown at the time. "You could see so much depth in him and so much emotion behind his eyes. That stayed with me," Feige said. "I told Stephen Broussard, one of the producers on 'Captain America,' that he would make a great Bucky and an even better Winter Soldier."
Stan reprised his role as the Winter Soldier in subsequent films such as "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Captain America: Civil War," the Avengers series, and this year's "Captain America: Brave New World." He is also set to return in next month's "Thunderbolts." Additionally, Stan's name appeared in Marvel's "Avengers: Doomsday" cast reveal, suggesting Bucky will continue to be part of the MCU for the foreseeable future.
