Sebastian Stan Reveals What He Thinks Bucky’s MCU Future Will Be

Sebastian Stan recently discussed the future of Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Debuting in Captain America: The First Avenger as Sergeant James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes, Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) best friend, the character has had a long journey throughout the franchise. After being presumed dead during WWII, the character returned in Captain America: The Winter Soldier as the titular villain, a metallic-armed brain-washed super soldier used by the evil organization HYDRA to eliminate their enemies. After realizing he has been lied to, Barnes escapes to live in solitude, only to be later used as an impetus for the conflict seen in Captain America: Civil War.

Stan’s Bucky was last seen in the Disney + series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The show picks up six months after the events of Avengers: Endgame, which saw Sam Wilson’s Falcon handed the mantle and shield of Captain America by an old Steve Rogers. Struggling with the responsibility that the title brings, Wilson initially rejects the role but soon regrets it as he unwillingly partners with Bucky to take on the Flag Smashers, a rebel faction who wishes for open borders believing the world was a better place following The Blip. During the events of the show, Bucky confronted his dark past and took steps forward toward a better future.

In a recent interview with Radio Times, Sebastian Stan discussed Bucky Barnes’ possible future within the upcoming phases of the MCU. When asked about whether or not the actor is looking forward to returning to the Marvel character, Stan seemed open to the possibility, stating that role has been, and will always be, a big part of his life and that he thinks there’s more to explore with Bucky. Read his comments below:

“It’s interesting coming back, you know, going back to a character after so many years because they’re almost like a weird roommate… I feel like it’s just something I can kind of slip into very easily, having played so often, but there’s always places to take him and explore.

[Bucky] had arrived in a really interesting place. Because for quite some time, he was facing the past and there was an identity question and a sort of a purpose question and relearning about oneself. And I think we got him to that place. So it really does become what does Bucky Barnes do now? And look, there’s something to that as well, because obviously you never really stop growing and learning about yourself or dealing with your past.”

But when someone seemingly has fulfilled certain tasks and has found their way to some extent, who are they then? And so there’s always going to be more to explore. I think, you know, if the opportunities allow…”

By the end of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Bucky had made significant progress in regard to coming to terms with his past. Barnes has made amends with people that he had hurt as a HYDRA hitman. Now, along with viewers, Stan also wonders what the future holds for the character, stressing that even though Bucky has finished his checklist of amends to make in the limited series, he still knows that there will “always be more to explore.“

Although Stan has not been officially announced to be returning to the role of the Winter Soldier in the upcoming Mackie-led Captain America film, it is a safe bet that the former assassin will make an appearance. The chemistry between Stan and Mackie — first starting in Civil War — has been undeniably electric. After building up the bond of the unlikely duo for years in the MCU, Barnes may finally fulfill his comic-faithful role as Captain America’s loyal sidekick.

Source: Radio Times

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