For fans of Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a hot topic. After his apparent exclusion from Captain America: Brave New World (2025), a new report has sparked hope. Could take on a new role down the line?
Stan last suited up in the live-action MCU for 2021’s Disney+ smash The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The six-episode series, led by showrunner Malcolm Spellman and director Kari Skogland, explored Bucky’s evolution from brainwashed assassin to redeemed hero. Teaming up with Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, the duo tackled global threats while redefining the legacy of Captain America.
Fast-forward to Brave New World, Mackie’s first feature film outing as the new Captain America, slated for release next year. Previously titled New World Order, the fourth Captain America installment dives into global power struggles, as teased in its explosive trailer.
The trailer also marks the return of familiar faces, including Carl Lumbly’s Isaiah Bradley and Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres, the latter stepping into the mantle of Falcon. However, the absence of Stan’s Bucky Barnes was conspicuous. Mackie even addressed this, joking about missing his “friends” on set—an apparent nod to Stan and Daniel Brühl’s Baron Zemo.
But hope isn’t lost. Marvel insider My Time to Shine Hello claims Stan will make a cameo in Brave New World, potentially setting up his pivotal role in Thunderbolts* (2025), Jake Schreier’s ensemble film featuring anti-heroes like Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova/Black Widow and David Harbour’s Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian.
Given the political stakes in Brave New World, a Bucky cameo could seamlessly tie into the overarching narrative. And come May, Stan will return in Thunderbolts*, where his Winter Soldier joins a ragtag team of morally ambiguous characters in what promises to be a climactic entry in Phase Five of the MCU.
Stan recently stoked speculation at Tokyo Comic-Con, lifting Captain America’s shield and teasing fans with a cheeky quip: “Not Captain America… yet.”
In Marvel Comics, Bucky Barnes did don the stars and stripes. While the MCU passed the shield from Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) to Sam Wilson, Stan’s comment has sparked speculation that Bucky might become Cap in future films like Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), both helmed by the Russo Brothers.
Adding fuel to the fire, Chris Evans will return, seemingly not as Captain America, but potentially as Nomad, while Robert Downey Jr. takes on the role of Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom.
Sebastian Stan has been a cornerstone of the MCU since 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger. As one of Marvel’s staunchest supporters, Stan recently addressed critics in an interview with Variety: “It’s become really convenient to pick on [Marvel films]… but they’re a big part of what keeps this industry going.”
As Bucky gears up for Thunderbolts*, Stan joins an all-star cast including Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Valentina Allegra de Fontaine), Wyatt Russell (John Walker/U.S. Agent), and potentially Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross/Red Hulk.
The film hasn’t dodged controversy, however. Casting Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, inspired by Marvel Comics’ Sabra, has ignited debates due to the character’s Israeli origins amid current geopolitical tensions. Marvel clarified that Haas’s character will be reimagined as an Israeli former Black Widow with U.S. government ties, distancing her from her comic book counterpart.
Outside the MCU, Stan continues to shine, recently starring in A Different Man (2024) and portraying a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice (2024).
How do you feel about a Bucky Barnes take on Captain America? Let us know in the comments down below!
