Bingeworthy: Sebastian Stan Edition
We’ve already introduced you to some of our favorite movies and TV shows starring Sebastian Stan in our article last year, so today we’re bringing you another version of this, in our Bingeworthy series focusing on the Marvel star! We’ll be looking at some movies we haven’t introduced to you yet and some you already know, so enjoy this list!
The Captain America trilogy (especially Captain America: The Winter Soldier)
Of course, Bucky Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier, is still the role most people associate with Sebastian Stan. It’s the role that opened doors in Hollywood, on the small and the big screen. However, it is also an iconic role in other regards. Sebastian Stan manages to give this character (with a total screen time of 40 minutes in all the MCU movies he’s been in) such appeal and such a possibility for identification that he’s become one of the absolute fan favorites. In Captain America: The Winter Soldier we can see the talent and range he has when portraying Bucky and The Soldier, both of whom have their personal struggles and successes.
Once Upon a Time (seasons 1 and 2)
Yes, you read that right. If you’re looking for a binge, Once Upon a Time spans over 7 seasons and covers every possible fairytale or folklore story (sometimes in questionable relations to each other). Stan was part of the first and second season of the show, which was when I first really started becoming a fan, mainly due to his performance and the fact that he portrayed one of my favorite characters, The Mad Hatter. And yes, the eyeliner was a big point as well. This show will definitely keep you busy and the first few seasons especially were still a little darker and more closely connected to the fairytales themselves.
Ricki and the Flash and The Bronze
These movies are probably not movies I would watch again and again, but they were both entertaining in their own way. Stan plays minor characters in both of these, so don’t expect too much screen time. I promise, even though The Bronze screen time might be limited, it will be worth it for several reasons. In all honesty, these movies aren’t the creme de la creme of Hollywood, but they are extremely entertaining and perfect for a rainy (or not so rainy) afternoon to make you laugh at their ridiculousness.
I’m Not Here
Moving on from ridiculousness is a serious movie. In I’m Not Here, we follow the journey of a man called Steve, played, respectively, by Stan in his younger, and by J.K. Simmons in his older version. We see Steve’s trauma and his happiness, the events in his life that have lead up to his despair in old age, and we see his struggle as a father and husband. This is not an easy film to watch but it is a great character study by both performers (and their female screen partners). Only watch this if you’re ready for an emotional journey. Still, it comes highly recommended from me.
Political Animals and Kings
I’m going to be recommending both of these shows, as they both regretfully only have one season and tell very similar stories. Sebastian Stan plays the son to the Secretary of State and former First Lady in Political Animals. Throughout the series, we see TJ struggling with drug addiction, suicidal tendencies, and the acceptance of his sexuality. There are some heavy topics, but it is, to this day, one of my favorite performances Stan has done. Coincidentally, in Kings, Stan plays the son of a monarch and military leader who also struggles with his sexuality and strives for acceptance and love from his family.