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

by Madison May 14,2025

Sebastian Stan has candidly shared the challenges he faced in his career before securing the pivotal role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In an 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 period of struggle. In that movie, he played the character Blaine, and it was this financial boost that helped him bridge the gap until he landed the role of James "Bucky" Barnes in "Captain America: The First Avenger" in 2011, alongside Chris Evans.

“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, also spoke to Vanity Fair about their decision to cast Stan as the Winter Soldier, despite his relative obscurity at the time. Feige noted, “You could see that he has so much inside him and so much behind his eyes. I’ll never forget that. 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 since become iconic within the MCU. He reprised his role in several films, including "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" in 2014, "Captain America: Civil War" in 2016, multiple Avengers movies, and "Captain America: Brave New World" this year. Fans can look forward to seeing him again in next month's "Thunderbolts." Additionally, Stan's inclusion in the cast reveal for "Avengers: Doomsday" indicates that Bucky will continue to be a significant presence in the Marvel universe.

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