Sebastian Stan’s recent comments shed more light on whether Bucky Barnes is inCaptain America: Brave New World. Stan had a busy 2024 with two award-worthy performances inThe ApprenticeandA Different Man. While the actor continues to branch outside theMCU, he is set to return asBucky Barnes in 2025’sThunderbolts*. The film is his seventh MCU project, not including post-credit scenes, since his debut in 2011’sCaptain America: The First Avenger.
Captain America: The Winter Soldiermarked the first time he and Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson shared the screen. Their relationship was initially hostile, but it evolved over the years, and the two became friends inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Sam is getting his first leading role inCaptain America: Brave New World, but it doesn’t look like Bucky will be joining him. In an interview withVariety, Stan addressed his absence fromCaptain America 4, saying it was a “quieter year” without Mackie.
[Filming] ‘Thunderbolts*’, let me tell you, it was a much quieter year for me because I didn’t see Anthony Mackie. So, I’ll say that. Although I miss Anthony Mackie like daily, and it’s something I don’t like to admit.
What Sebastian Stan’s Comments Mean For Captain America: Brave New World
WhileCaptain America: Brave New Worldis the fourth film in this franchise, it first features Sam Wilson in the titular role for the first time. He has plenty to prove to America and the world that he can represent the shield admirably. He also will have his hands full dealing with The Leader, Sidewinder, and President Thunderbolt Ross, who finally turns into theMCU villain Red Hulk. Bucky Barnes' assistance would be helpful, but this is a time for Sam to prove himself, so Marvel should allow him to work independently of other Avengers.
Bucky’s MCU Return Is Way Better Than Him Being Captain America’s Replacement
Sebastian Stan is set to return as Bucky Barnes in Marvel Studios' upcoming Thunderbolts*, paving his own path away from Captain America.
Sam will also have assistance from Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon, who joins theCaptain America: Brave New Worldcast. If Marvel is trying to set up a new dynamic duo with Sam and Joaquin, bringing in Bucky would take attention away from their partnership. Sam and Bucky have already built their relationship in previous projects. Marvel is doing the right thing by having Sam move forward as Captain America and having Bucky go in a different direction.
Our Take On Sebastian Stan’s Captain America: Brave New World Comments
The first thing to remember is that Sebastian Stan could be lying. Marvel actors undergo extensive media training to ensure they never spoil crucial details. Andrew Garfield lied for months that he was not inSpider-Man: No Way Homeand audiences now know that wasn’t true. However, Stan is likely telling the truth since he has another Marvel movie debuting a few months afterCaptain America: Brave New Worldreleasesin February.
Bucky is already involved inThunderbolts*, trying to lead a team made of Marvel’s best anti-heroes. Giving Bucky a role inCaptain America: Brave New Worldwould put too much on his plate, and it would likely have to be addressed inThunderbolts*. Stan will have his moment to shine inThunderbolts*and it’s a good thing that Mackie gets a shot at leading a project without Stan’s assistance.
