Sebastian Stan opened up about his financial hardships before landing his breakout role as Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Speaking with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed how a $65,000 residual check from Hot Tub Time Machine rescued him right before being cast as Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger. Stan portrayed antagonist Blaine in the 2010 sci-fi comedy before teaming up with Chris Evans' Captain America in 2011.
"I was actually struggling financially," Stan confessed. "My business manager called to say we were saved by $65,000 in residuals from Hot Tub Time Machine."
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige told Vanity Fair they saw Stan's potential despite his relative obscurity at the time.
"You could sense his depth and intensity just through eye contact," Feige recalled. "I told producer Stephen Broussard, 'He'll make a good Bucky, but he'll be an incredible Winter Soldier.'"
Stan reprised his role across multiple MCU films including The Winter Soldier (2014), Civil War (2016), various Avengers installments, and this year's Brave New World. He'll return as Bucky Barnes in next month's Thunderbolts, with his inclusion in Avengers: Doomsday confirming his ongoing MCU presence.
