Why Bucky Barnes Ignored Sam Wilson in Thunderbolts?

In my perspective, I witnessed Bucky Barnes team up with a fresh group of superheroes, yet it felt like they overlooked his most trusted comrade, Sam Wilson entirely. Since the days of Captain America: The First Avenger, Bucky had been a significant figure as Steve Rogers’ loyal friend. Even though Steve was later frozen until the 2010s, Bucky somehow endured due to none other than the main antagonists from that movie, HYDRA.

After reconnecting with Steve and freeing himself from HYDRA’s control, Bucky has been a vital member of Steve’s inner circle, joining forces with Sam Wilson, another soldier Steve met after being thawed from the ice. At first, Sam and Bucky had minor disagreements, but when Steve decided to retire at the end of Avengers: Endgame, their bond deepened, as depicted in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Thus, one might wonder why didn’t Bucky seek help from Sam during the events of Thunderbolts*?

Bucky Had Time To Recruit More Help To Fight The Sentry In Thunderbolts*

Sam Wilson Could Have Flown In To Help

Initially, Bucky finds himself in a challenging role as a public figure, finding it hard to adapt to a work life confined within an office. Thus, when an opportunity arises for him to engage in covert operations and embark on a unique assignment, he grabs it. His goal is to uncover damaging information about Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, eventually apprehending her former associates as potential evidence for her impeachment. However, Bucky discovers a formidable new adversary, named Bob, whom Valentina intends to exploit for her own benefit.

When he finally acknowledges the danger as real, he teams up with a band of irregular mercenaries, yet fails to summon any additional help or reinforcements. It appears that he underestimated Bob’s potential threat, which seems unusual given his strong connections and the possibility of averting a larger problem by seeking assistance from someone he has nurtured such a deep relationship with.

Bucky Not Asking Sam Wilson For Help In Thunderbolts* Doesn’t Make Sense

Bucky & Sam Have Become Family

In essence, Bucky and Sam have moved beyond being mere allies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; they’ve formed a strong bond, almost like brothers. Nurtured by their shared history with Steve Rogers, they grew even closer while working together during “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” They stand by each other in difficult times, and it appears that they are the go-to individuals when either requires assistance. Additionally, if this film fits into a specific timeline, Sam might even have some additional support should he have started assembling heroes for his Avengers team, hinted at in the finale of “Captain America: Brave New World.

As a movie critic, I can’t help but feel that Bucky could have been more cautious in his latest adventures. Despite the unexpected power he displayed on his new team, which no one could have foreseen, they were well aware of his incredible resilience – surviving being shot multiple times at close range and managing to fly before crashing into the Earth after losing consciousness mid-air.

However, it seems that he underestimated the need for backup, especially considering the dangerous nature of his missions. In hindsight, he should have given Sam a heads-up about his plans to ensure assistance was available if needed. After all, teamwork and communication are key elements in any successful operation.

Thunderbolts* Shows The Fallout Of Bucky Not Teaming Up With Sam Wilson

The New Avengers Face Stiff Competition From The Avengers

In essence, it seems their lack of conversation may have endangered their relationship entirely. Initially, Bucky wasn’t aiming to join a group, and the idea of them being known as The New Avengers wasn’t his suggestion. Nevertheless, he embraced the role and spent an additional 14 months with this new team, as portrayed in the Thunderbolts*. Notably, this scene also depicts the aftermath of Sam and Bucky’s bond, with Sam registering the Avengers team name, and establishing a different squad of heroes who will function counter to The New Avengers.

In case Bucky had managed to get hold of me (Sam) and brought his pal along to back up our motley crew, it might have been Valentina who gave her seal of approval for the whole team, paving the way for my New Avengers to be operational in the MCU. However, it seems that now these two squads seem to be rivals, and Bucky hinted that his attempts to contact me have fallen on deaf ears, suggesting our friendship is strained post-Thunderbolts*.

2025-05-09 23:11