Discussions on Reddit have shown a rising annoyance towards the Marvel Cinatic Universe’s handling of Sebastian Stan’s character, Bucky Barnes, notably since the occurrences in Captain America: Civil War. Originally introduced in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, and playing a crucial role in both The Winter Soldier and Civil War, Bucky has experienced a substantial decrease in on-screen presence and character growth in recent times. Instead, he’s frequently utilized as a stepping stone for other characters’ development. This debate has escalated as Stan gears up to appear again in the upcoming film, Thunderbolts*, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and David Harbour’s Red Guardian.
Bucky’s transformation from Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) friend to a brainwashed HYDRA agent and eventual recovery has made him one of the most intricate characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In “The Winter Soldier,” the shocking disclosure that the feared assassin was actually Steve’s believed-to-be-dead friend provided one of the franchise’s most gripping storylines, with Sebastian Stan delivering a nuanced portrayal of both the ruthless killer and the tormented individual hidden within. The film delved into Bucky’s mental programming and Steve’s frantic efforts to connect with him, striking a chord with viewers that generated anticipation for his further growth.
In the movies “Civil War” and earlier, “Winter Soldier,” Bucky’s internal turmoil over his past deeds under HYDRA’s control and the debate about his accountability formed a major conflict between Steve Rogers (Captain America) and Tony Stark (Iron Man). The films explored heavy themes of guilt, redemption, and allegiance, with Bucky’s character playing a significant role beyond mere plot device. A Reddit user named catshirtgoalie wrote that they found Bucky to be one of their favorite characters due to his fighting style and overall presence. However, the user expressed dissatisfaction as they felt that in “Infinity War” and “Endgame,” Bucky was underutilized, appearing only sparingly and mostly in the background.
Although the series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier aimed to counteract character development decline by joining forces Bucky with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), many viewers believe it fell short, focusing more on establishing Sam as Captain America instead of fully developing Bucky’s character. While some appreciate the show for growing both characters and their relationship, others argue that it predominantly served to set up Sam as Captain America while reducing Bucky to a secondary role. The series touched upon Bucky’s efforts to make amends for his past transgressions but failed to delve deeply into his emotional trauma or his potential beyond being Steve Rogers’ former partner in crime-fighting. As Reddit user BigB-llsMcGirk put it, “Sebastian Stan as Bucky is one of the best castings and performances in MCU… The guy deserves a lead movie.
Thunderbolts* Has the Potential to Fix Bucky in the MCU
Marvel Studios’ upcoming movie, titled Thunderbolts, is venturing into uncharted territory for superhero team-ups, gathering a team of ethically questionable characters for a narrative that director Jake Schreier has referred to as character-focused. This film introduces an intriguing ensemble under the control of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s cunning CIA agent, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. The latest previews hint at the team’s assembly at a secretive facility, featuring Lewis Pullman as “Bob,” who is rumored to portray a mentally unstable superhero character called The Sentry.
The upcoming film appears to offer a promising opportunity for the growth of the Bucky character, as actor Sebastian Stan has likened the team dynamic to “The Breakfast Club.” In essence, he suggests that no other Marvel group can be compared to them, making it unique. He further describes it as a collection of misfits who, despite their differences, aim not to harm each other. This emphasis on character relationships and dynamics could offer an excellent setting for delving deeper into Bucky’s complexity beyond his relationship with Captain America.
Despite some fans’ doubts about Bucky’s significant role in the upcoming film, concerns were raised by Reddit user silverBruise_32, who questioned if he would continue to support other characters rather than taking center stage: “In Thunderbolts*, it seems like Yelena and Ghost will take the lead. Why change what already works?” However, there are reasons for hope. Vague hints from the cast about the film’s enigmatic asterisk, as David Harbour stated that “things may not be what they seem to be,” imply that the movie might exceed fans’ expectations. Additionally, Stan’s comment at Tokyo Comic-Con, “Not Captain America…yet” while holding Cap’s shield, hints that Thunderbolts* could have more substantial plans for Bucky than anticipated.
Thunderbolts* arrives in theaters on May 2, 2025.
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2025-01-27 14:40