Despite bromance with Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan praises a surprising co-star for getting him his biggest MCU gig.

Sebastian Stan is among one of the earliest MCU stars, having been a part of the evergrowing franchise since Captain America: The First Avenger. Moreover, Stan’s chemistry with his co-stars Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie has been a fan-favorite element aside from his character development as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier.

Sebastian Stan in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
As a result, it might come as a surprise to fans that neither Evans nor Mackie is responsible for Stan’s MCU success, as per the actor’s own admission. Instead, the Winter Soldier actor credited a surprising MCU co-star with his longevity and continued popularity in the franchise. Here is who Stan believes contributed greatly to his MCU success.

Sebastian Stan Credits Captain America: Civil War Co-star For His MCU Series

Actor Sebastian Stan made his MCU debut in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, as Bucky Barnes, who seemingly dies during World War II. Stan reprised his role in the sequel, taking on the moniker of the Winter Soldier, a brain-washed assassin.

Sebastian Stan and Chris Evans in Captain America: Civil War
Since then, Stan has been a mainstay of the MCU and even co-headlined the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Despite his character’s ties to Chris Evans‘ Captain America, Stan believes that his success in the MCU was because of Tom Holland, who debuted as Peter Parker / Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed why he felt Holland deserved the credit for him and Anthony Mackie getting their own series in the MCU.
“Basically Anthony (Mackie) and I got a show because of Tom Holland I guess, that’s like what I’m realizing now as I’m talking, which is something I really hate for him to know.”
Stan made the above statement referencing how his and Mackie’s characters fought Holland’s Spider-Man, bringing out their chemistry. Therefore, it is easy to see why Stan credited Holland with receiving his own MCU series, albeit begrudgingly.

Sebastian Stan Unlikely to Appear in Captain America 4 Amdist Thunderbolts Filming Start

Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes and Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson have been the most important supporting characters in the first three Captain America movies. The duo took center stage in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which led to Wilson taking over the moniker of Captain America. As a result, Mackie will be playing the titular role in the upcoming Captain America 4.
Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie In a still from The Falcon and The Winter Soldier

However, it seems Stan will not be a part of the action this time around. In a recent interview, Mackie lamented the fact that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will not be receiving a second season. The Twisted Metal actor later added that he missed working with Stan, implying that the latter would not be appearing in the fourth installment of the Captain America franchise.

Nonetheless, Stan will not remain on the sidelines of the MCU for long, as he is slated to take the lead in the upcoming team-up film Thunderbolts. Stan is set to reprise his role in the film, which recently started production on February 26, 2024, at Trilith Studios, in Atlanta. However, it remains to be seen when and where Stan and Mackie’s paths will cross in the MCU.

Captain America: Brave New World will be released on February 14, 2025, followed by Thunderbolts on May 2, 2025. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is streaming on Disney+.