After years of fighting on the front lines of history, Bucky Barnes is stepping into a new role in ‘Thunderbolts*’, a film that promises to shake up the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While fans wanted him to take on the mantle of Captain America, Bucky will embark on his own journey.
Moreover, with the film just a few months away from its May 2 release, fans are eager to see how Bucky fits into this unconventional team and what his future in the MCU looks like.
Sebastian Stan Believes The Thunderbolts Are A Better Fit For Bucky Due To Their Experiences
The actor behind The Winter Soldier, Sebastian Stan, since ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’, recently opened up about his character’s decision to join the ragtag team. He believes that this new group offers something uniquely suited to Bucky’s journey. “There is something about this group that feels inherently familiar,” Stan shared.
Related: “We Did Real Stunts”: Sebastian Stan On ‘Thunderbolts*’ Using More Practical Effects Than CGI
“It’s interesting for him to be in a position where he could share some of the things he’s gone through.” It’s a fascinating evolution for a character who has spent decades in the shadows, first as a brainwashed assassin and later as a man trying to escape the ghosts of his past.
Additionally, for years, Bucky Barnes’ role in the MCU has been a topic of heated discussion among fans. Many believed he was the natural successor to Steve Rogers and destined to pick up the shield. Instead, that role went to Sam Wilson.
While some fans were disappointed, Thunderbolts is proving that Bucky never needed to be Captain America in order to be a hero. As a character, Bucky has always operated in the gray areas of morality. This is what makes the Thunderbolts the perfect home for Bucky.
The Thunderbolts Can Be the Family That Bucky Never Had
One of the most compelling aspects of Steve Rogers’ journey in the MCU was the way he built a family out of the Avengers. Bucky, for all his years of friendship with Steve, never truly got to experience that. His life has been defined by war, loss, and manipulation. However, the Thunderbolts could change that.
In case you missed it: Sebastian Stan Wants To Join DCU As The Riddler
Each member of the team carries emotional scars. Yelena Belova was raised as a weapon in the Red Room, much like Bucky was trained by Hydra. Even John Walker, the disgraced Captain America, has struggled to find his place after being cast aside.
Moreover, while the Thunderbolts may not be as flashy or universally beloved as the Avengers, they are, in many ways, more real. Their struggles are personal, their victories hard-won. For Bucky, this is a second chance to be a person instead of a fighting machine.
