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Sebastian Stan: $65K Residuals from Hot Tub Time Machine Saved Him Before Winter Soldier Role

by Sebastian May 03,2025

Sebastian Stan has opened up about his career challenges before securing the pivotal role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed that a $65,000 residuals payment from his role in the 2010 film Hot Tub Time Machine was a lifeline during a tough period. He played the antagonist Blaine in the sci-fi comedy before transitioning to the role of James "Bucky" Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger alongside Chris Evans in 2011.

"I was actually struggling with work," Stan admitted. "I had just gotten off the phone with my business manager, who told me I was saved by $65,000 that came in residuals from Hot Tub Time Machine."

PlayMarvel Studios president Kevin Feige shared with Vanity Fair that the studio saw great potential in Stan for the Winter Soldier role, despite his relative obscurity at the time. "You could see that he has so much inside him and so much behind his eyes. I’ll never forget that," Feige remarked. "I said to Stephen Broussard, who was one of the producers on *Captain America*, 'He’s going to be a good Bucky, but he’s going to be a great Winter Soldier.'"

Stan's portrayal of Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier has been a significant part of the MCU, with the actor reprising the role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), various Avengers films, and the recent Captain America: Brave New World. He is also set to return as the superhero in the upcoming Thunderbolts. Furthermore, Stan's inclusion in the cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday suggests that fans can look forward to seeing more of Bucky in the MCU.

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