Sebastian Stan’s Surprise Return? New Rumors Heat Up Around Bucky Barnes
As fans eagerly await Captain America: Brave New World (2025), recent developments have shifted the spotlight to a beloved character who might be getting the screen time some hoped for—Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes. With Stan notably absent from the latest trailer, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) fandom has been buzzing with questions about the Winter Soldier’s fate in the upcoming film.
Stan last appeared in 2021’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, a six-episode series that followed his character’s evolution from tortured anti-hero to reluctant hero, standing alongside Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson/Falcon. The series, created by Malcolm Spellman and directed by Kari Skogland, was the second major Disney+ venture by Marvel Studios. Its success was questionable, and it paved the way for Wilson’s transition to becoming the new Captain America—a mantle he will officially take up in Brave New World.
The title of the film itself has already gone through a notable change. Originally slated as Captain America: New World Order, the name was revised, and after some real-world events, including an assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump, prompted some tweaks to the marketing.
However, for long-time fans of Stan’s Bucky Barnes, the real shock came when Anthony Mackie confirmed that Stan and Daniel Brühl, who portrays Baron Zemo, would not appear in Brave New World—at least not in any significant capacity.
According to Mackie, Bucky wouldn’t be joining Sam on this next adventure. But as with all things Marvel, secrets are hard to keep, and a new report from entertainment insider My Time to Shine Hello suggests otherwise. The report hints that Bucky Barnes will make a cameo appearance in the film.
While it’s unlikely to be a major role, a fleeting appearance from Stan’s Winter Soldier could still pack a punch for fans who have followed his character since his introduction in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011).
Marvel Studios has a knack for playing the long game with its characters, and even if Bucky’s role in Brave New World is brief, fans won’t have to wait too long to see him again.
After Brave New World drops in February 2025, Stan will return in the ensemble Thunderbolts* movie later that year. Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* promises to be a major anti-hero event featuring a motley crew of villains and morally ambiguous characters from across the MCU. Stan’s Bucky Barnes will stand front and center alongside Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, the MCU’s new Black Widow.
Despite being out of the Marvel spotlight for a few years, Stan remains a passionate supporter of the MCU. In a recent interview with Variety, he defended the cinematic universe amidst rising criticism, noting, “It’s become really convenient to pick on [Marvel films], and that’s fine. Everyone’s got an opinion. But they’re a big part of what contributes to this business and allow us to have smaller movies as well. This is an artery traveling through the system of this entire machinery that’s Hollywood. It feeds in so many more ways than people acknowledge.”
His words echo the sentiment of many who see the MCU as an integral part of the modern film industry, balancing blockbusters with opportunities for more intimate, smaller-scale films.
As for Brave New World, the film is shaping up to tackle global politics, a theme teased in the official trailer. While the trailer had to be adjusted in light of real-world events, it still offers fans a glimpse at some returning faces, including Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley and Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon. With Sam Wilson now firmly established as Captain America, the film will explore the shifting dynamics of global power in a world post-Avengers.
Of course, one of the more contentious aspects of Brave New World is its casting. Israeli actress Shira Haas’s portrayal of Ruth Bat-Seraph, known in the comics as Sabra, has sparked considerable debate due to her character’s ties to Israel, especially given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Marvel, ever aware of the cultural sensitivities surrounding the character, has reportedly reworked her backstory. Instead of playing Sabra, Bat-Seraph will portray an Israeli former Black Widow, now a close confidante of the U.S. government, which appears to be an attempt to avoid further controversy.
Meanwhile, Harrison Ford is set to make his MCU debut in Brave New World, stepping into the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a character previously portrayed by the late William Hurt. This marks another exciting development for fans, with Ford expected to reprise the role, maybe even as the Red Hulk, in Thunderbolts* later that year.
Outside of the MCU, Stan is continuing to expand his acting portfolio. This year, he will star in A Different Man and take on the role of a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice, a film that will explore the early years of the former U.S. President. These roles signal Stan’s continued commitment to diverse projects, even as he remains deeply connected to his MCU roots.
For now, fans can only speculate on what Bucky’s future holds in the MCU. Will his rumored cameo in Brave New World truly be a passing moment? With Thunderbolts* on the horizon and Stan’s continuing presence in the franchise, the Winter Soldier’s story is far from over.
What do you think about a potential Bucky Barnes cameo in Captain America: Brave New World? Let Disney Dining know your thoughts in the comments below!
