Sebastian Stan calls Heath Ledger 'an inspiration' for Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier

Sebastian Stan portrays Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He discussed his work as the titular villain in a recent interview and revealed that one of the most iconic movie performances in recent memory inspired him for this part.

Stan told Cover Media (via Xpose Entertainment) that Heath Ledger's work as The Joker in the classic The Dark Knight in 2008 inspired him to tackle the role of Captain America's enemy in the new Marvel movie:

"I just always admired his performance and him as an actor, I can't compare myself to anything like that. He is an inspiration. That was his most memorable performance...I think we've all seen in the last decade [how excellent these performances have been]. So for me, it's just a responsibility, you know? Playing a villain as a character, just look at how these other guys have done it. What can I do to contribute?"

In other news, Captain America 2 will reportedly have a major effect on the Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. television series. The following comes from the "Matt's Inside Line" column at TVLine:

"Do you have any scoop on what's coming up on Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in their eight remaining episodes, perhaps something Marvel-y? -Andy B
I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, Andy, but RUN DON'T WALK to see Captain America: Winter Solider (in theaters April 4), which uncorks, as one S.H.I.E.L.D. star told us at the film's Hollywood screening a 'huge tie-in' to the ABC series. And perhaps because of that, 'Things go crazy' in the season finale, EP Maurissa Tancharoen said, 'and not all survive.'"

What do you think of Stan's remarks? Let us know in the comments below.