Sebastian Stan Lived on Residuals Before Winter Soldier

Sebastian Stan has opened up about the professional challenges he faced 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" came at just the right time, "saving" him before he was cast as James "Bucky" Barnes in the original Captain America film. Stan portrayed the antagonist Blaine in the 2010 sci-fi comedy, later starring alongside Chris Evans in 2011's "Captain America: The First Avenger."

"I was actually struggling to find work," Stan revealed. "My business manager had just called to tell me that a $65,000 residuals check from 'Hot Tub Time Machine' had basically saved me."

Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige told Vanity Fair that the studio was confident in casting Stan as the Winter Soldier, even though he was a relative unknown at the time.

"You could see he had so much depth and intensity behind his eyes. I'll never forget that impression," Feige recalled. "I told Stephen Broussard, one of the producers on Captain America, 'He's going to make a good Bucky, but he'll be a phenomenal Winter Soldier.'"

Stan went on to reprise the role in 2014's "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," 2016's "Captain America: Civil War," the Avengers film series, this year's "Captain America: Brave New World," and is set to return as the superhero in next month's "Thunderbolts." With Stan's name appearing in the cast reveal for "Avengers: Doomsday," it's clear Bucky Barnes will remain a key part of the MCU for the foreseeable future.