Sebastian Stan Interview For ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’

‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ focuses on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America. Born during the Great Depression, Steve Rogers grew up a frail youth in a poor family. Horrified by the newsreel footage of the Nazis in Europe, Rogers was inspired to enlist in the army. However, because of his frailty and sickness, he was rejected. Overhearing the boy’s earnest plea, General Chester Phillips offered Rogers the opportunity to take part in a special experiment… Operation: Rebirth. After weeks of tests, Rogers was at last administered the Super-Solider Serum and bombarded by “vita-rays.” Steve Rogers emerged from the treatment with a body as perfect as a body can be and still be human. Rogers was then put through an intensive physical and tactical training program. Three months later, he was given his first assignment as Captain America. Armed with his indestructible shield and battle savvy, Captain America has continued his war against evil both as a sentinel of liberty and as leader of the Avengers.

In the film Sebastian Stan stars as Bucky Barnes, an orphan who befriends Steve Rogers/Captain America and becomes his sidekick. The Marvel Comics adaptation comes to cinemas July 22nd, 2011 in the US, and July 29th 2011 in the UK. ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ also stars Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Tommy Lee Jones, Neal McDonough, Dominic Cooper, Derek Luke and Toby Jones.

What intrigued you about your character Bucky Barnes?

Sebastian Stan: The way Bucky was written in the earlier comic books is very different with how we decided to go in the movie. That was actually nice for me because it allowed me to kind of have a unique, fresh approach to it. There were definitely particular things about the character in the comic book that I think were important to maintain, the fans relate to. One thing that particularly drew me to Bucky is that the character, in some of the later comic books as well, he was the guy that often ended up doing the dirty work, I think that added a very interesting dynamic between his relationship with Steve Rogers.

There’s a lot of conflict in him.

Sebastian Stan: I think he’s someone who’s at a point where he’s really questioning…..I think he feels like he was born into this situation, into the military. I think he’s been living expectations that maybe his father had for him. I feel that though he feels like the military has opened a lot for him, from travelling, he’s world weary, he’ seen a lot of things – it has also made him question what he wants to do, what he wants to get out of life and whether it’s worth it. He’s in that place but at the same time he’s figuring out what he wants. He’s also got this kid he has to look after, which he’s always had as family – he doesn’t want to ruin that image of himself that Steve has, so that’s a conflict for him, because he’ll go to the end of the world to protect him.

Bucky and Steve Rogers have an interesting dynamic with each other, especially through Steve Rogers‘ transformation.

Sebastian Stan: Yeah, they’re both orphans, they’re essentially like brothers, they’re the only family they’ve got, they look out for each other, they pick on each other. There’s a certain kind of competitive nature about it. Steve is so locked with this thing that he wants so badly, he feels worthless, he wants to contribute something but he can’t, I think Bucky constantly reminds him that it’s more important to live life, enjoy the fact that you’re here, that you’ve got all these opportunities around you, music, girls (laughs), enjoy that. So they’re a little bit off on that perspective, all that gets affected when Steve has the transformation, they’re almost shifting positions at that point.

What was it like working with director Joe Johnston?

Sebastian Stan: I think that the challenge of this movie, and I think what Joe Johnston did such an amazing job on was in terms of making that balance, its not just about Captain America as comic book people know it, it also happens in a period that is extremely historic. The good vs. evil aspect of it, also what drives these characters, anyone can relate to them. He made sure fans of the comic fans would enjoy the movie while the general public would also relate to it.

Finally what’s it like to be apart of such a huge franchise?

Sebastian Stan: It’s amazing, I’m very grateful for it, there’s a very talented group of actors, sometimes it’s crazy to just look at the posters (laughs). I can’t believe I’m a part of it!