Sebastian Stan On Marvel, Bucky Barnes, And Why ‘Tom Cruise Is Not A Normal Person’
"It’s like Christmas morning when Marvel calls."
Sebastian Stan is no stranger to intense action scenes and the demands of blockbuster filmmaking. Best known for his role as Bucky Barnes, a conflicted antihero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Stan has played the character for over 15 years.
As his career continues to evolve, he reflects on the challenges of action films and what it’s been like portraying a character as complex as Bucky. According to Stan, the physical demands of action films are often underestimated, especially by audiences unfamiliar with the grueling work behind the scenes.
Stan emphasizes the unique challenges of playing the same role for more than a decade, and he’s always excited when Marvel calls him back for another chapter of Bucky’s story.
Stan also touched on the relentless energy of action stars like Tom Cruise, who he describes as “not a normal person.” He admires Cruise’s ability to take on intense stunts, noting how hard these kinds of movies really are.
For Stan, portraying Bucky Barnes has been a long and rewarding journey. Despite the superhero's redemption arc, Bucky still faces consequences from his dark past, which makes the character all the more relatable.
The emotional complexity and evolution of Bucky mirror Stan's own growth as an actor and person.
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Action films like those in the Marvel universe might seem glamorous, but Stan insists they’re anything but easy.
The intense physical training, high-energy stunts, and complicated fight choreography make them some of the toughest jobs in Hollywood.
"Action movies are really f---ing hard,” Stan admitted during a recent interview. While audiences may get swept away in the high-octane thrills on screen, the reality is that months of preparation go into every punch and chase scene. Reflecting on Tom Cruise’s incredible feats, Stan said, “Tom Cruise is not a normal person. I don’t know how he’s doing what he’s doing.”
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When it comes to his character, Bucky Barnes, Sebastian Stan is constantly discovering new layers.
“I’ve never thought I’d get to play the same role for 15 years,” Stan said. He likens the experience to having a second life, evolving alongside the character. Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, first appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011 and quickly became one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most complex figures. From his brainwashed assassin persona to his journey of redemption, Bucky’s story arc is filled with trauma and moral ambiguity.
Bucky is not your typical superhero—his dark past and internal battles make him one of Marvel’s most emotionally layered characters. This depth is what keeps Stan interested and engaged in the role.
“It’s not like now he’s a good guy and morally invincible,” Stan explained. “He always has to deal with what he’s done. That’s relatable. That’s all of us.” This constant struggle to come to terms with his past, whether it’s his time as the Winter Soldier or his relationship with Steve Rogers, makes Bucky’s journey unique.
Stan also shared how much he enjoys the thrill of receiving a new Marvel script, likening it to Christmas morning. “It’s like Christmas morning when the call comes. Santa Claus still lives,” he joked. For Stan, each new storyline brings fresh challenges and deeper layers to explore.
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