Early reviews of Marvel’s Thunderbolts* are calling it both a breath of fresh air and a return to form for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and much of that is thanks to its stellar cast.
Sebastian Stan is part of the titular group of reluctant heroes as Senator Bucky Barnes, otherwise known as the former mercenary-turned-hero, The Winter Soldier.
If you’re intrigued by Stan’s performance in the MCU film, check out five of his best movies below.
‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016)
If Thunderbolts* left you thirsty for more Bucky Barnes, this movie is by far the best showing of his abilities in the MCU. When Bucky is wrongfully accused of a crime, Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) and Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie) end up facing off against Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) as they attempt to prove his innocence. This movie also introduces Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther/T’Challa, a fantastic interpretation of the character that was cut short by Boseman’s untimely death.
Stan brings warmth and pathos to Bucky as the Winter Soldier tries to fight back against brainwashing that turned him into a violent assassin. His friendship with Rogers is one of the core relationships in the MCU and Civil War hammers home just how far the friends will go to protect each other.
Watch Captain America: Civil War on Disney+.
‘I, Tonya’ (2017)
In this sharp and engaging biopic based on the life of notorious figure skater Tonya Harding, Stan plays Harding’s first husband Jeff Gillooly opposite Margot Robbie. Equal turns charming, abusive and manipulative, Stan simmers with rage in this powerfully unhinged performance.
Robbie and Allison Janney were nominated for Oscars for their roles in this film, which explores the events leading to the infamous attack on Harding’s figure skating rival, Nancy Kerrigan. (Janney won, but Robbie lost to Frances McDormand for Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri.) It’s an explosive, smart movie with a stellar cast that you won’t want to miss.
Watch I, Tonya on Tubi.
‘The Apprentice’ (2024)
In this controversial film, Stan steps into the shoes of President Donald Trump, presenting an “origin story” about how Trump was mentored by unscrupulous lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong, Succession). Beyond just examining the man who would go on to become the 45th and 47th president, The Apprentice is a study of how American culture has changed since the 1980s and how a “winners and losers” mentality began to take shape in the American narrative.
Another awards favorite, Stan and Strong both received Oscar nominations for their roles. Even Trump political advisor Roger Stone praised the film, writing, “I knew Roy Cohn. Roy Cohn was a friend of mine. The portrayal of Roy Cohn by actor Jeremy Strong in the new movie The Apprentice is uncanny in its accuracy.”
Rent The Apprentice on Apple TV+ or Amazon Prime Video.
‘A Different Man’ (2024)
A Different Man is a strange, underrated comedy-drama film about appearances, jealousy and insecurity. Stan plays Edward, an aspiring actor who suffers from a condition that caused large tumors to grow on his face. When he undergoes an experimental treatment that gives him the face of, well, Sebastian Stan, he creates a whole new identity in order to romance his neighbor Ingrid (Renate Reinsve). But when Edward meets another man (Adam Pearson) who shares his previous condition but none of his insecurity, he becomes obsessed with him.
Edward’s struggle with his own lack of identity in this film is deeply relatable even to those who have never struggled with a disfigurement like the neurofibromatosis depicted in the film. It’s a surreal, unsettling and funny movie.
Watch A Different Man on Max.
‘Dumb Money’ (2023)
Based on the true story of how a bunch of Reddit users caused a stock market crisis by investing in GameStop, Dumb Money is a smart, funny movie that delves deep into the frustrating wealth gap that pervades American culture. Stan has a small but memorable role as Robinhood co-founder Vlad Tenev and he plays the smug tech bro to perfection. Paul Dano leads the film as Keith Gill, the man who led thousands of people to help invest in GameStop and influence the market.
Dumb Money is shockingly entertaining for a story where most of the action takes place on the internet. Think of it as The Social Network meets The Big Short combined with a special flavor that’s totally original.
Watch Dumb Money on Netflix.
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