Sebastian Stan's Career Boost from $65K Residuals Before Winter Soldier Role

Sebastian Stan opened up about his early career challenges before securing the pivotal role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stan shared that a $65,000 residuals payment from Hot Tub Time Machine was a lifeline during a tough period. This came before he portrayed James "Bucky" Barnes in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, following his role as antagonist Blaine in the 2010 sci-fi comedy alongside Chris Evans.

“I was really struggling to find work,” Stan admitted. “My business manager called to say I’d been saved by $65,000 in residuals from Hot Tub Time Machine.”

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige told Vanity Fair that Stan stood out for the Winter Soldier role, even as a lesser-known actor at the time.

“His depth and intensity were clear from the start,” Feige noted. “I told producer Stephen Broussard, ‘He’ll make a solid Bucky, but an exceptional Winter Soldier.’”

Stan reprised his role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), multiple Avengers films, and this year’s Captain America: Brave New World. He’s set to return as the superhero in next month’s Thunderbolts. Stan’s inclusion in the Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal suggests Bucky will remain a key figure in the MCU for years to come.