MCU Fans Just Discovered Another Tragic Bucky Barnes Moment (& It’s Heartbreaking)

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Bucky Barnes is an exceptional friend anyone would be lucky to have within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite being transformed into Hydra’s assassin known as the Winter Soldier, Bucky eventually breaks free from this control thanks to the Wakandans. In Avengers: Infinity War, he aids his dearest friend, Steve Rogers, and the rest of the Avengers against Thanos’ troops. He reappears in Avengers: Endgame. After the battle, Steve chooses to return to living with Peggy Carter, leaving Bucky behind. However, Bucky isn’t left alone for long as he forms a new friendship with Sam Wilson, who eventually takes up the mantle of Captain America.

Regrettably, it appears that the bond between Bucky and Sam is fraying, possibly reaching a point where they won’t communicate by the start of Avengers: Doomsday. This current rift brings back memories of the hardships Bucky has faced throughout his years. In fact, the MCU has recently unearthed another poignant moment involving Bucky that has been largely overlooked since 2011.

Bucky Barnes Can’t Enjoy Life After His Meeting With Hydra

In the opening of “Captain America: The First Avenger”, Bucky prepares to depart America for World War II service. The 107th Infantry Regiment is deploying to Europe, and Steve Rogers yearns deeply to be part of it. However, his physical appearance and health problems disqualify him from combat. Yet, Abraham Erskine recognizes a hidden potential in Steve and administers the Super Soldier Serum, transforming him into Captain America. The Star-Spangled Man then ventures across Europe to boost troop morale, but he doesn’t engage in battle until he learns that the 107th is lost behind enemy lines. With assistance from Howard Stark and Peggy Carter, Steve locates Bucky and saves him from Hydra captivity.

After his encounter with Arnim Zola, Bucky isn’t the same character we knew before. His transformation becomes apparent in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” when he confronts Steve after being under Hydra’s control for many years. However, even as early as “The First Avenger,” there seems to be a hint of Bucky’s future struggle. A notable moment occurs in a TikTok video focusing on Bucky’s face while he sits at the bar with Steve following his return to camp. He appears to drink alcohol, but it fails to alleviate his unusual feelings. This subtle scene is easy to overlook because Steve is the main focus, but taking that drink marks the beginning of Bucky’s heartbreaking story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The video underscores how the physical changes he experiences render alcohol ineffective for him.

The MCU Never Lets Bucky Barnes Catch a Break

In a span of 70 years, Steve comes to understand that Bucky is undergoing personal change. Their long-time friendship plays out in the movie “The Winter Soldier“, with both managing to survive only because Steve manages to reach Bucky, reminding him of a vow they made when they were young. However, Bucky has grown weary of conflict and chooses to reside in Romania, hoping to explore his past and regain balance. Nonetheless, Helmut Zemo harbors malicious intentions, falsely accusing Bucky of the bombing at the United Nations and bringing him onto Tony Stark’s attention.

Eventually, Zemo discloses to Tony that Bucky is the one who caused his parents’ demise, triggering Tony’s rage. Captain America attempts to calm Iron Man down, but it’s too late as he must battle his teammate to protect his friend. Once they manage to separate Bucky from Tony, Steve sends him to Wakanda for mental healing. However, Bucky’s troubles don’t end there – he must confront Thanos and grapple with being turned to dust. After dealing with these issues and Sam Wilson taking up the shield, it seems like Bucky’s life is returning to normal. He even becomes a member of the United States Congress and contributes to forming the New Avengers. However, the Marvel Cinematic Universe never stops meddling – Bucky’s story is far from over.

Although I’ve joined a fresh team and sport a snazzy uniform, I’ve lost the person who means the most to me. Sharing my talks with Sam with the New Avengers seems to transport me back to simpler times when I could enjoy a casual drink with my pal Steve, without it serving as a constant reminder of all that’s amiss in my life.

Captain America: The First Avenger is streaming on Disney+.

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2025-07-12 22:13