Bucky Barnes has had a long history in theMCU, and I’m afraid that’s all going to come to an end inThunderbolts*. From fighting in World War II to becoming a mind-controlled super soldier,Bucky’s MCU timelinehas been nothing short of chaotic. When he was finally able to integrate back into society, he went from becoming a Wakandan refugee to an Avenger.Captain America: Brave New Worldrecently revealed that he’s now a congressman, which seems completely out of the blue but also not surprising considering the other situations he’s gotten himself into.
How he will go from a congressman to a member of the Thunderbolts is beyond me, but it’s all the more reason why I’m excited for the release ofThunderbolts*. One glaring detail from the trailers, however, is the fact thatBucky is the onlymember of the Thunderbolts teamnot wearing a superhero suit. Although this detail doesn’t seem like a huge deal on the surface, leaving Bucky as the odd one out in the group could be a hint at the character’s MCU future.
Why I Think Bucky Isn’t Wearing A Superhero Suit In Thunderbolts*
He Doesn’t Operate Under A Hero Name
Bucky’s superhero suit for the past decade has been his Winter Soldier armor. It unfortunately was also what was causing him the most emotional pain, which is why he had a whole arc inThe Falcon & The Winter Soldierabout howhe’s shedding himself of his past identityand starting over as just Bucky Barnes. He doesn’t have a superhero identity anymore which is perfectly fine, but it makes him unlike the other members of his team.
Thunderbolts* Has Already Made Me Glad That Bucky Barnes Didn’t Become The Next Captain America In Avengers: Endgame
Trailers for Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts* have made me very happy that Steve Rogers chose Sam Wilson to become Captain America and not Bucky Barnes.
Even though none of the Thunderbolts are considered traditional heroes,they all still have superhero monikers that they operate under. Yelena is a Black Widow, Alexei is Red Guardian, John is U.S. Agent, Ava is Ghost, and Antonia is Taskmaster. Meanwhile, Bucky is now just himself. It’s the perfect development for where his character is at right now, but I can’t help but think that his lack of superhero identity may actually factor into his eventualThunderbolts*fate.
I’m Worried Bucky’s Lack Of Superhero Identity Could Mean He Dies In Thunderbolts*
Marvel Has Been Lost When It Comes To Bucky
Ever since the MCU decided that Sam would be Captain America,it feels like the studio hasn’t really known what to do with Bucky. That’s not to say that it was the wrong choice asSam’s new role makes complete sense, but the MCU has liked keeping Bucky as a supporting character to someone else’s protagonist, first with Steve in the Infinity Saga, then with Sam duringTF&TWS. I’m worried that his lack of superhero identity combined with the fact that he’s had a long run in the MCU could mean that his time is coming to an end.
Some fans have already been speculating that he may die inThunderbolts*, and it really does feel like a possibility if it means it would further the stories of the other characters.
It was important for Bucky’s character to move away from the Winter Soldier identity if he wanted to heal from his guilt. However, it does feel like Marvel doesn’t know what to do with him now more than ever, especially with the congressman twist. Some fans have already been speculating that he may die inThunderbolts*, and it really does feel like a possibility if it means it would further the stories of the other characters.His death would definitely have a huge impact on the franchise, and it feels even more likely since his MCU future is so murky.
I Hope I’m Wrong And Bucky Doesn’t Die In Thunderbolts* So Sebastian Stan Can Return
Sebastian Stan has been loyal to the MCU for over a decade, and it’d be completely understandable if he wanted to move on from the franchise. He’s having a great 2024/2025 season witha Golden Globe for his role inA Different Manand an Academy Award nomination forThe Apprentice.He may want to move on to bigger things, but it’d also be amazing to keepStan’s caliber of talentin the MCU. Fortunately for fans, Stan still has a positive relationship with Marvel, so it’s safe to assume that he’d return if asked.
The past award season showed off Stan and Anthony Mackie’s friendship, and it’d be a treat to see them on screen together again. If the reports aboutAvengers: Doomsdayare true, and Chris Evans is actually returning, that would be another great reunion with Stan to look forward to. Whether Evans is a multiversal variant or the elderly Steve,a Bucky and Steve reunion seems like something Stan would stick around for. It’s hard to tell whether Bucky will make it throughThunderbolts*unscathed, but I’m hoping I’m wrong and that his time in the MCU is far from over.
