Sebastian Stan, known for his role as Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, in seven Marvel films, recently shared insights about his professional growth through Marvel and his aspirations for the future. Speaking on the Stronger Podcast, Stan acknowledged that his experience with Marvel significantly shaped him as both a person and an actor but emphasized his intention to pursue roles beyond the superhero genre as he evolves.
Marvel’s Impact on Stan’s Career and Life
Stan described his time with Marvel as a vital stepping stone that gave him a strong foundation in both acting and personal growth. Working alongside established actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson, he gained valuable insights into relationships and the craft, as well as a supportive network that felt like a family. Despite this, he insists his career is moving into its next phase, aiming to challenge himself with new and different roles.
“I have to try to offer something different than before,”
Stan said.
“And I’ve never favored one role over another. The Marvel stuff, I’ll always, till the end of time, [feel it] really helped me grow as a person and helped me grow as an actor and it taught me relationships and [I worked with] Robert Downey [Jr.] and Scarlett [Johansson] and all these people I looked up to. It was a business. It was a family and it gave me a sense of belonging, and it’s always there for that, but it was only the step one for me.”
New Challenges and Later Accomplishments in Acting
Stan feels fortunate that more complex, nuanced roles came later in his career, mentioning his performances in films like The Apprentice and A Different Man. He reflects on younger actors such as Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler reaching milestones at ages where he was not yet able to. This contrast emphasizes his ongoing evolution and desire to push his creative boundaries.
“I could not have done at their age,”
he remarked while referring to these young talents.
The Influence of Heritage and Industry Experiences
Coming from a Romanian background, Stan also touched on the cultural adjustments he faced entering the American film industry. He described a significant period during his youth where he had to assimilate and adapt to fit into this environment. Now, he feels that moment has passed, allowing him to finally pursue projects that align with his true interests.
“There was a significant part of my youth that I had to spend to get Americanized or to fit in and really find my way in a different way,”
he shared.
“But it’s really now that I feel I’m finally getting to do the stuff I’ve always wanted to do.”
Recognition and What Lies Ahead for Sebastian Stan
The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment in Stan’s career. His leading role in A Different Man earned him a Golden Globe, while his portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. These honors underline his ability to diversify his acting portfolio beyond Marvel’s franchise and suggest promising future opportunities as he continues to redefine his professional path.
