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 how a $65,000 residuals check from his role as Blaine in the 2010 film Hot Tub Time Machine played a crucial role in sustaining him financially before he landed the part of James "Bucky" Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011.

Stan recounted his struggles, stating, "I was actually struggling with work. 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." This financial lifeline allowed him to continue pursuing his acting career until he joined the MCU alongside Chris Evans, who played Captain America.

MCU chief Kevin Feige expressed his confidence in casting Stan, even though he was relatively unknown at the time. Feige remarked to Vanity Fair, "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 the Winter Soldier has since become a cornerstone of the MCU. He reprised his role in several films, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), multiple Avengers movies, Captain America: Brave New World this year, and he is set to return in next month's Thunderbolts. Furthermore, Stan's inclusion in the cast reveal for Avengers: Doomsday indicates that fans can expect to see more of Bucky in the MCU's future.