Marvel Finally Admits The MCU Has Been Wasting One Of Its Best Actors For 14 Years

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For over fourteen years, Marvel has underutilized a talented actor, but a recent film suggests they’re finally recognizing this. With awards season underway, studios are promoting their films, and Marvel is no different.

Warner Bros. recently began promoting its new film, Superman, directed by James Gunn, for awards consideration. While an awards campaign doesn’t guarantee nominations or wins, it shows the studio has confidence in the film and is proud of the work done by the director and cast.

Marvel’s cinematic universe (MCU) is scheduled to release three films in 2025: Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. However, Disney has only actively promoted one of these films for awards, and the actors they’re highlighting suggest Marvel may have underutilized a particular performer for more than ten years.

The MCU Has Wasted This Actor’s Talent For 14 Years

Since his debut in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011, Sebastian Stan has consistently proven himself as a standout performer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His work as Bucky Barnes – especially the character’s complex transformation from a loyal soldier to the mind-controlled Winter Soldier and, ultimately, his fight to overcome that past – has been truly exceptional.

Despite his important role in early Marvel films like The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes (played by Stan) has mostly been pushed to the background. He had a minor part in Captain America: Civil War, and even in the recent Thunderbolts project, he’s a last-minute addition to the team without a strong, developed storyline.

Marvel is now acknowledging the acting ability of Harrison Ford, submitting him for Best Supporting Actor consideration for his role in Thunderbolts. While it’s uncertain if he’ll actually be nominated, it’s positive that Marvel recognizes his talent and it could mean good things for his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Sebastian Stan’s Marvel Future May Be Looking Bright

Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Last year was a big year for Stan, with award nominations and a Golden Globe win for his performances in A Different Man and The Apprentice. This increased his visibility significantly, making him a valuable asset for Marvel to utilize given his talent and growing popularity.

It’s still unknown exactly how, but Sebastian Stan will definitely return as Bucky Barnes in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday movie. If his character survives that film, he’s also likely to appear in Avengers: Secret Wars. Beyond those team-up movies, Marvel might also create a solo film for Bucky, potentially showing his backstory or continuing his adventures in the present-day MCU.

Currently, Marvel hasn’t revealed its plans for the Marvel Cinematic Universe after the Secret Wars movie. While Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has hinted at a greater focus on mutants and the X-Men, there’s still potential for the character Bucky Barnes to play a significant role. Giving Bucky a compelling storyline could help Marvel make up for underutilizing him for over ten years.

I’m really glad Marvel finally acknowledged the actor’s work – it feels like a long time coming, especially with his role in Thunderbolts. They definitely made things right!

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2025-11-05 21:49