One particular absence fromCaptain America: Brave New Worldmay feel like a disappointment for some fans, but it’s the necessary direction for all of the characters involved. With every major Avenger in theMCU, there is a cast of supporting characters helping to define their story. For Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers, it wasSebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes. They made their debut as the best friend duo in 2011’sCaptain America: The First Avenger,and, despite Bucky’s apparent death in that film, Stan went on to appear alongside Evans in the rest of theCaptain Americatrilogy.
Bucky’s most recent MCU appearance was in 2021’sThe Falcon & The Winter Soldier, where he helped Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson grow into his newfound Captain America role. When thinking about the patriotic hero, Bucky is likely the first name that fans have come to associate with him. However,Sam’s Captain Americamarks a new chapter for the herowhich will come with big changes, including Bucky’s first absence from a Captain America film since his debut 14 years ago.
Brave New World Is The First Captain America Movie Without A Key MCU Character
Captain America: Brave New Worldwill be the first Captain America movie without Bucky. With the development of Sam and Bucky’s relationship inThe Falcon & The Winter Soldier, it seemed for a while that Sam’s first solo film would feature the long-time Cap ally. By the end of the series, though, the two characters went their separate ways, and it’s since been confirmed thatStan will not appear inBrave New World. It’ll be jarring to watch a project about Captain America that doesn’t include his best friend, but it’s the direction that makes the most sense for both characters.
With Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres as the new Falcon, Bucky’s presence ultimately doesn’t feel as necessary in a film where Steve is absent.
Mackie and Stan’s great chemistry is what would’ve actually madeBrave New Worlddifficult. It worked in the Disney+ series because they both had equal roles, butCaptain America 4is really supposed to be Sam’s moment to shine.If Bucky was in the film, some of that attention would’ve been taken away from him. Bucky was always more Steve’s friend and sidekick, whereas he and Sam had more of a contentious working relationship. With Danny Ramirez’sJoaquin Torres as the new Falcon, Bucky’s presence ultimately doesn’t feel as necessary in a film where Steve is absent.
Why Thunderbolts* Is The Best Next Step For Bucky’s MCU Story
Bucky’s absence fromBrave New Worlddoesn’t mean the end of his time in the MCU. Stan will be starring inThunderboltslater this year, where Bucky will even get to be the leader of the anti-hero team. The character has been a fan favorite for over a decade yet has always played more of a supporting role.Thunderboltsis the right next step for Bucky’s MCU story becauseit’ll finally allow him a chance to shine as his own character, rather than a sidekick to someone else.
After Sebastian Stan’s Major 2025 Awards Nomination, I’m Even More Excited For Marvel’s Thunderbolts* And Bucky Barnes' MCU Future
Bucky Barnes' MCU future looks even brighter after Sebastian Stan has secured a major awards nomination for 2025, and I’m even more excited about it.
AlthoughThunderbolts*is an ensemble film, there’s no doubt that Bucky’s years of battle will make him the best leader for the team, ultimately thrusting Stan into more of a starring role. This is a new era for Bucky where he isn’t defined by Captain America anymore, so seeing how he takes charge of a team of strangers is the best way to test his decade-long character development. Leaving Bucky out ofCaptain America: Brave New Worldwill let Sam get his flowers, and it’s led Bucky to a much more fitting project for his MCU story anyway.
