Fans were curious about what was in store for the Winter Soldier when Sebastian Stan’s character, Bucky Barnes, was prominently absent from the recent announcement of Julius Onah’s Captain America 4. However, a new theory suggests that his absence from the upcoming flick may allow Bucky Barnes to fully embrace his Wakandan superhero identity.
Despite the disappointment that Bucky was left out of Captain America: Brave New World, the decision actually makes sense. Well, Captain America 4 perfectly justifies his absence, as he moves from a supporting role to a more significant one (White Wolf) in Thunderbolts.
Bucky Barnes has spent more than a decade in the MCU, but aside from becoming the Winter Soldier and ultimately breaking free from Hydra’s hold, he has not undergone much growth.
Not to be overlooked, though, is Stan’s cameo as Barnes in Black Panther’s (2018) post-credits scene, where he receives assistance from Shuri (T’Challa’s sister Shuri) in order to recuperate from Hydra conditioning.
Captain America 4 Will Not Feature Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes?
Anthony Mackie, who will play Sam Wilson / Captain America, recently shared an update on Captain America: Brave New World. During his discussion about his time in the MCU, he told RadioTimes that he was looking forward to a second season of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the Disney+ miniseries in which he co-starred with Sebastian Stan. However, he acknowledged that his co-star would not be participating.
Mackie explained:
“The Falcon and [the] Winter Soldier, I really enjoyed doing that show. I was actually excited to do a second season, just so me and Sebastian [Stan] can get paid to hang out. Because it’s like me, him and Daniel Brühl. It’s kind of like the perfect storm of happiness.”
Acknowledging this, Mackie expressed disappointment over co-stars Daniel Brühl and Stan’s absence from the fourth Captain America flick. Continuing, he said:
“It is what it is, but I do not have my friends anymore, so it kind of dampens it a little bit. They decided to go back to the movies. Anything I can do to hang out with Daniel, a dancing Daniel Brühl, makes me very happy.”
Because Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes formed the core of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, this may surprise some fans. Also note that Julius Onah’s upcoming flick was plagued by delays and reshoots following low test results (via X), which initially demoralized fans.
Could Sebastian Stan’s Character Transform into a Wakandan Superhero in the MCU?
The 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger marked Bucky Barnes’ (Sebastian Stan) screen debut. Though one of the most enduring characters in the MCU, Bucky remains largely unseen until now, but Thunderbolts have the power to change that.
Stan’s character might eventually have a more prominent arc in the upcoming movie, according to Screen Rant. Though the details of the plot are still under wraps, Thunderbolts may already have some of the makings of a dramatic and potentially revolutionary story.
As Bucky Barnes recovered in Wakanda, the Wakandan kids gave him the nickname ‘White Wolf’ in the post-credits scene of 2018’s Black Panther (see Digital Spy). The White Wolf is the head of Wakanda’s secret police force and the adopted brother of T’Challa and Shuri in Marvel Comics.
Yet, according to Screen Rant, Bucky Barnes may finally wear this moniker in Thunderbolts, especially if Valentina’s quest for vibranium forces him to return to Wakanda. After Chadwick Boseman’s tragic passing, if Barnes becomes the White Wolf, the MCU will certainly be honoring T’Challa’s legacy.
It is no secret that fans have been demanding to see more of Bucky’s nuanced arc. Throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his transformation from a brainwashed assassin to a redeemed hero has been one of the most captivating stories. And what better way to carry on his legacy than by assuming new duties and powers as a Wakandan superhero that would honor Boseman’s impact on the Marvel Universe?
Captain America: Brave New World is slated for release on February 14, 2025, while Thunderbolts will be out on May 2, 2025.