Sebastian Stan Lived on $65K Residuals Pre-Marvel

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

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stan shared how a $65,000 residuals check from Hot Tub Time Machine "saved" him financially before he portrayed James "Bucky" Barnes in the first Captain America film. The actor played antagonist Blaine in the 2010 sci-fi comedy, later starring opposite Chris Evans in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger.

"I was genuinely struggling to find work at that time," Stan admitted. "My business manager had just called to tell me those Hot Tub Time Machine residuals literally saved me with that $65,000 payment."

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige told Vanity Fair they recognized Stan's potential for the Winter Soldier role despite his relative obscurity then.

"You could see the depth in his performance - so much simmering beneath the surface. That stayed with me," Feige recalled. "I told producer Stephen Broussard, 'He'll make a good Bucky, but he's going to redefine the Winter Soldier.'"

Stan reprised the role in multiple MCU installments including 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, 2016's Civil War, various Avengers films, this year's Brave New World, and will return in next month's Thunderbolts. His inclusion in Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement suggests Bucky Barnes remains integral to the MCU's future.