Sebastian Stan has stated whichWinter Soldierstory he wishes was depicted in theMCU, andThunderboltscould be the ideal place for it. Bucky Barnes, a.k.a. the Winter Soldier, has developed from Captain America’s best friend to a complex anti-hero carrying the heavy weight of his past. Yet, according to Sebastian Stan, the actor who brings Bucky to life, there is one major storyline he believes was a missed opportunity. WithThunderboltsand its focus on characters with troubled pasts, this may be the perfect chance to explore the depths of Bucky’s darker history.
Bucky’s journey inthe MCU timelinehas been turbulent. First appearing inCaptain America: The First Avenger, he was Steve Rogers’ closest friend, seemingly falling to his death in battle. InCaptain America: The Winter Soldier, Bucky re-emerged as the brainwashed assassin controlled by HYDRA. He continued to struggle with his painful memories inCaptain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, andAvengers: Endgame, eventually finding some peace inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Still, Stan himself believes that one essential part of Bucky’s story was skipped, andthe MCU’sThunderbolts*could be the project to fully explore it.
Sebastian Stan Revealed the Winter Soldier Storyline He Wanted to See in the MCU
In an interview withJosh Horowitz, Sebastian Stan revealed that he would have loved to portray Bucky’s transformation into the Winter Soldier with more detail and nuance. Stan suggested that he would like to adapt the story of how HYDRA corrupted Buckyfrom the very moment he regained consciousness after fallinginCaptain America: The First Avenger. This could have been an emotionally rich exploration of his character, fully detailing how Bucky lost his humanity.
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According to Stan, detailing the moments when Bucky is first brainwashed, manipulated, and stripped of his past would reveal the tragedy behind his transformation and the extent of HYDRA’s cruelty. This storyline wouldallow audiences to see Bucky grappling with confusion, fear, and anger, emotions that are only hinted at in later films. Instead of being introduced to him as a fully-fledged assassin inThe Winter Soldier, audiences would see the painful transition from soldier to weapon.
Stan’s commentsunderline how compelling this journey could have been. It could have shown Bucky’s resilience and the depth of HYDRA’s abuse. This insight would have offered viewers to understand the sheer magnitude of his trauma, dealing with the process and not merely the results.
Why Captain America: The Winter Soldier Didn’t Reveal More of Bucky’s Backstory
Captain America: The Winter Soldieris one of theMCU’s most celebrated films, but it is largely focused on Steve Rogers, not Bucky. Since Steve is the main character, it wouldn’t have made sense to dive deeply into Bucky’s backstory,especially considering that neither Bucky nor Steve retained clear memoriesof their shared past at that point. When Bucky resurfaces as the Winter Soldier, he’s already a tool of HYDRA, dealing with vague flashes of his former life and a gnawing sense of dissonance.
For the sake of narrative flow, the film introduced him as a mysterious figure who haunted Steve and would later reveal his full identity. Thischoice kept the story focused and centered on Steve’s questto reconnect with his friend rather than delving into theharrowing process of Bucky’s transformation. However, this approach sacrificed deeper context for Bucky’s pain.
By giving viewers only glimpses of the conditioning Bucky endured, the film left a narrative gap that could have enhanced the impact of Bucky’s struggles in later films. It would have made his mental battle against HYDRA’s control even more meaningful. However, there is only so much that can be packed into the tight narrative, and thedownfall of SHIELD presumably took priority.
Thunderbolts* Is the Perfect Opportunity to Explore Bucky Becoming the Winter Soldier
The MCU’sThunderbolts*, however, offers an ideal setting for revisiting Bucky’s origins as the Winter Soldier. The film brings together some of the MCU’s most morally complex characters, many of whom have suffered mental and emotional trauma. Both the cast and director have teased howThunderbolts*willaddress the mental health of its characters, focusing on how their past experiences shape them in the present.
This emphasis on mental well-being aligns perfectly with Bucky’s character, as he has long grappled with the atrocities he committed under HYDRA’s control.Thunderboltscould allow for this kind of introspection, examining Bucky’s trauma more explicitly. Flashbacks or sequences detailing Bucky’s brainwashingcould seamlessly fit intoThunderbolts’s exploration of mental health themes, adding depth to both his character and the group dynamics.
The narrative could depict how Bucky’s reconditioning impacted his psyche, allowing audiences to see him at his most vulnerable. Highlighting Bucky’s brutal transformation could also provide powerful material for theThunderbolts*team’s interactions, withmembers like Yelena Belova or Ghost possibly relating to his struggle for control. This could lead to some intriguing alliances and internal conflicts within the team, bonding through their respective ordeals.
I Hope the MCU Explores Even More of Bucky Barnes’ Story After *Thunderbolts
IfThunderbolts*doesn’t fully explore Bucky’s Winter Soldier origin story, the MCU still has ample opportunities to revisit this complex period of his life. Bucky’s journey from a loyal soldier to an unwilling assassin isa story worth telling, and with the character’s continued popularity, audiences would welcome further development in future projects. Delving into this story could enrich Bucky’s arc and address some of the trauma he’s endured over the years.
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AfterThunderbolts*, Marvel could potentially explore Bucky’s past in a solo project or even a series focused on his experiences. Given the rise in Disney+ Marvel series that delve into character backstories, a limited series dedicated to Bucky’s transformation and internal battles could beboth exciting and poignant. Additionally, as one of the few characters in the MCU who still struggles with his dark history, Bucky’s journey resonates, and exploring his past could underscore his heroism in overcoming the pain inflicted upon him.
A deeper exploration of Bucky’s Winter Soldier story wouldn’t just complete his character arc but could also serve as a powerful message about resilience and redemption within the MCU. With Sebastian Stan’s commitment to portraying Bucky, the potential for a powerful narrative is immense. Viewers have witnessed Bucky’s growth, butunderstanding the pain that led him there would create an even stronger connectionto his character, adding emotional depth to a hero who deserves more focus in the MCU, even beyondThunderbolts*.
Thunderbolts*
Cast
Thunderbolts follows seven disillusioned individuals who find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. Tasked with a daunting mission, they must face the most shadowy aspects of their histories in order to survive and achieve their goals.
