CinemaBlend participates in affiliate programs with various companies. We may earn commission when you click on or make purchases via links.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going strong for a decades of filmmaking, with the OG actors in the midst of long tenures in the massive franchise. The actors who populated Phase One have had the most experience in the MCU, and that includes Bucky Barnes actor Sebastian Stan. Bucky made his debut back in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, seemingly perishing in the battle against HYDRA. He's since popped up a whopping four more movies, and apparently it took years before the fandom took notice of the character.
Bucky Barnes' original appearance in Captain America wasn't super exciting, as he was Steve's buddy who apparently died. But he was the title character of its sequel Captain America: The Winter Soldier, coming back with a vengeance as a villain, whose morality was a big plot point of the Civil War. Sebastian Stan recently spoke to his character's arc in the MCU at an appearance, specifically how fans have responded. As he put it:
It’s funny, we were at the autograph table an hour ago, and somebody turned to me at one point and said, ‘Did you ever think this was gonna happen?’ I was like, ‘No.’ I actually played this character for at least two, three years before I felt like people noticed.
The man's got a point. Bucky didn't become a superpowered badass until Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and his identity wasn't originally revealed ahead of the film's release. As such, Sebastian Stan might have gotten pushed to the side during his first few years in the MCU.
Sebastian Stan's comments at the Fandemic Tour Houston (via Comic Book) might surprise casual fans, considering how his character has become a fan favorite vigilante in the shared universe. Bucky ultimately got a redemption arc in Captain America: Civil War, and his mind was seemingly repaired during his time in Wakanda. His story will continue after Avengers: Endgame, while Steve Rogers' officially came to a close.
Related: Sebastian Stan Defends Marvel Movies After Scorsese And Coppola Comments
I'm eager to see how Bucky Barnes' story continues moving forward, both on the big screen and small. Sebastian Stain and Anthony Mackie will star in a six-episode Disney+ series, aptly titled The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. And given Avengers: Endgame's final scene, the series will likely focus on Sam Wilson's new role as Captain America. Also reprising their Marvel roles are Daniel Bruhl's Zemo and Emily VanCamp's Sharon Carter.
It should be interesting to see how much Bucky's comic book adventures influence the upcoming series. You can read up on the Winter Soldier's adventures on the page here.
Bucky's time in the MCU has been full of highs and lows. He went from a cheery sidekick to a bonafide supervillain, after being brainwashed by HYDRA. Steve Rogers continued fighting for his friend through all of it, resulting in The Avengers breaking up in Captain America: Civil War. Luckily he was able to travel to Wakanda, where he was put on ice until Shuri figured out how to free his mind. The new and improved White Wolf showed up to battle Thanos' forces in Avengers: Infinity War, but he was dusted during Thanos' snap.
The next installment in the MCU is Black Widow on May 1st, 2020, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is expected to arrive late 2020 on Disney+. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
