Sebastian Stan, best known for portraying James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has sparked new speculation about his potential future as Captain America. During a recent appearance at Tokyo Comic-Con, Stan teased fans with a playful yet intriguing remark, lifting Captain America’s iconic shield and quipping, “Not Captain America…yet.”
The comment, first reported by Comic Book Movie, has ignited conversations among Marvel enthusiasts about whether Bucky Barnes might eventually take up the mantle. While the current Captain America, Sam Wilson (played by Anthony Mackie), is set to star in Captain America: Brave New World in 2024, Stan’s statement suggests there could be room for Bucky to wield the shield in a future storyline.
A Possible Comic-Inspired Path
In Marvel Comics, Bucky Barnes briefly assumed the role of Captain America following Steve Rogers’ apparent death. However, in an alternate storyline, Sam Wilson later inherited the title, cementing his place in the legacy. The Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explored the journey of Sam Wilson becoming Captain America but bypassed Bucky’s comic book stint with the shield. Stan’s recent hint has reignited hopes that his character could follow a similar arc in upcoming MCU projects, possibly in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars.
Bucky’s Growth
Speaking about his role as Bucky, Stan expressed appreciation for the character’s evolution over the years. In an interview, he shared, “It’s always been fun for me to come back to him after all these years because you’re growing as a person, and then the character ends up growing.”
Stan emphasized how the character’s journey has deepened over time, adding, “I never would have thought we would have ended up where we have with him, but it’s a very interesting group of characters, and they all bring out different sides of themselves.”
The actor also noted that his portrayal of Bucky has allowed him to explore themes of redemption, loyalty, and identity, making the role both challenging and rewarding.
Upcoming MCU Appearance in Thunderbolts
Sebastian Stan’s next major MCU appearance will be in Thunderbolts, a team-up film set to release on May 5, 2025. The movie will feature an ensemble cast, including Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Red Guardian, and Wyatt Russell as John Walker (U.S. Agent). Fans are eager to see how Bucky, as one of the Thunderbolts, fits into the evolving MCU narrative and whether this film lays groundwork for his potential future as Captain America.
A Breakout Year for Sebastian Stan
In addition to his MCU work, Stan has enjoyed significant success in his recent non-Marvel projects. His performances in The Apprentice and A Different Man have been critically acclaimed, showcasing his range as an actor. This career momentum could position him for even greater opportunities within and beyond the MCU.
Stan’s playful comment and his reflections on Bucky’s character development have left fans speculating about what’s next for the beloved Winter Soldier. With the MCU’s expanding multiverse and ever-evolving storylines, the possibility of Bucky Barnes becoming Captain America remains an exciting prospect.
For more updates on Sebastian Stan and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
Source: Comic Book Movie, official MCU announcements, and media interviews with Sebastian Stan.
