Sebastian Stan, who has portrayed Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for over a decade, recently suggested that his character might meet his end in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film. With the movie set to premiere next December, Stan’s comments raise questions about the future of his Marvel career and the fate of the New Avengers.
Stan’s journey in the Marvel franchise began with 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, and he has appeared in several key MCU projects since. His latest role comes in this year’s Thunderbolts, where he joined a team of unlikely heroes, including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Red Guardian (David Harbour). The Thunderbolts post-credits scene showed the team gathered in New Avengers Tower, watching a video of the Fantastic Four’s extradimensional ship approaching Earth, signaling their involvement in Avengers: Doomsday’s storyline.
Insight Into Sebastian Stan’s Reflections on His Time as Bucky Barnes
During a recent episode of the Stronger Podcast hosted by Don Saladino, Stan reflected on his experience working within the MCU and hinted at moving toward new opportunities beyond the franchise. He expressed appreciation for the personal and professional growth he achieved through Marvel, saying,
“I have to try to offer something different than before. And I’ve never favored one role over another. The Marvel stuff, I’ll always, till the end of time, [feel it] really helped me grow as a person and helped me grow as an actor, and it taught me relationships and [I worked with] Robert Downey [Jr.] and Scarlett [Johansson] and all these people I looked up to. It was a business. It was a family, and it gave me a sense of belonging, and it’s always there for that, but it was only the step one for me.”
— Sebastian Stan, Actor
Stan’s comment about Marvel being “only the step one” suggests he views his tenure as Bucky Barnes as an important foundation but anticipates pursuing different roles in the future. This has led to speculation that Avengers: Doomsday could be the final film to feature his character, as major event movies often result in significant character departures.
Balancing Future Roles Within and Beyond the MCU
Despite hints of moving on, there remains a possibility that Stan could continue appearing in MCU projects alongside other ventures. He has already managed to combine Marvel roles with critically acclaimed performances in independent films like A Different Man and The Apprentice, demonstrating his ability to balance superhero fare with dramatic storytelling.
Should Bucky Barnes survive Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel still has the option to write out the character later in the franchise timeline, potentially in the 2027 release Avengers: Secret Wars. Regardless of his fate, fans can hope that Stan’s performance in Avengers: Doomsday offers a meaningful and compelling arc for Bucky, whether it concludes his story or opens the door for future appearances.
Avengers: Doomsday Anticipates a Star-Studded Ensemble
Avengers: Doomsday will feature a wide-ranging cast, reuniting familiar faces and introducing new heroes poised to challenge formidable threats. Along with Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, notable cast members include:
- Chris Hemsworth returning as Thor, continuing his journey as the Asgardian god and Avengers leader.
- Vanessa Kirby portraying Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, a core member of the Fantastic Four.
- Joseph Quinn taking on the role of Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, bringing fiery energy from the Fantastic Four.
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, adding to the team’s strength and resilience.
The post-credits scene in Thunderbolts set the stage for these characters’ involvement by showing the Fantastic Four’s extradimensional ship nearing Earth, hinting at a larger conflict likely involving the villain Doctor Doom, who is expected to play a major role.
With the Thunderbolts rebranding themselves as the New Avengers, the film is primed to explore new dynamics within the Marvel universe, facing imminent threats and shifting alliances. The stakes are high, and the impact on the MCU’s future could be substantial, especially with the presence of key figures like Tony Stark’s former allies and the Fantastic Four.
Looking Ahead: What Avengers: Doomsday Could Mean for the MCU and Stan’s Role
Avengers: Doomsday is poised to be a milestone in the MCU, with the potential to reshape the franchise’s landscape. Whether Sebastian Stan’s character remains or departs, the film will likely provide a critical turning point for the shared universe. The inclusion of the Fantastic Four, the New Avengers team, and the looming threat of Doctor Doom suggests a narrative filled with tension, urgency, and impactful resolutions.
Sebastian Stan’s hints about his Marvel future add an anxious but hopeful dimension for fans, as they await to see if Bucky Barnes will survive or be given a heroic send-off. Avengers: Doomsday promises to blend excitement with emotional weight as it unfolds, setting the foundation for subsequent MCU phases and the eventual Avengers: Secret Wars event.
