TheMCUhas a multitude of popular characters, with each of them having a unique storyline. In 2008, Marvel laid the foundation by introducing Iron Man in live-action. Soon, the franchise released movies based on the iconiccharacters from Marvel Comics. While setting up the stories of its main leads, it also developed good arcs for its supporting characters. But one of the characters’ stories stands out from the rest in terms of growth and evolution throughout the various films:The Winter Soldier.
Sebastian Stanhas played the character of James Buchanan Barnes, a.k.a The Winter Soldier, for more than a decade now. The course of his story in the MCU films took many twists and turns, and his complex character transition over the years is something worth noting. His character journey begins with being the sidekick and best friend of Captain America, who is always there by his side through thick and thin. But after being brainwashed and tortured by Hydra, he is transformed into a ruthless assassin. Throughout his journey, Bucky struggles with his identity and suffers from the guilt of his wrongdoings. This is what makes the Winter Soldier’s arc unique and realistic, as even after hardships, his character never stops seeking the path of redemption.
Humble Origin of Sergeant Barnes
Bucky Barnes was first introduced inCaptain America: The First Avenger. He was a sweet and innocent boy from Brooklyn, who dedicated his life to the U.S. Army. Not just a resilient WWII soldier, but he was always there to fight bullies who used to trouble his beloved pre-serum friend, Steve Rogers. The two best friends had been inseparable since childhood and also on the battlefield.
Before his life turned upside down, he was a charmer and also had a young date named Connie. He took her to the Stark Expo along with Steve and his date Bonnie. In 1943, he was also enlisted as a sergeant in the 107th Infantry Regiment. After Steve becomes Captain America, the pals go on a mission to capture Arnim Zola on a Hydra Train. While on this mission, Bucky falls off the train into the Danube River, loses his arm, and is presumed dead. Steve does attempt to save him, but sadly can’t, and he mourns the loss of his best friend.
An Innocent Soldier Turned Dangerous Assassin
Who knew a brave and loyal veteran was going to be turned into a dangerous assassin? Hydra didn’t miss the opportunity to experiment with Bucky when they found out he survived. They took him to the Siberian facility and transformed him into a killing machine, the Winter Soldier. Zola brainwashed him, injected Hydra’s version of thesuper soldier serum, and gave him a brand new cybernetic arm. He is controlled by provocative words, which, once uttered, will make the assassin follow the orders given.
Zola’s harsh experiments led to Bucky turning against Steve. InCaptain America: The Winter Soldier, Bucky is defrosted and seen in action as the titular villain, showcasing his new enhancements and brutality. In the final parts of the film, Steve refuses to fight his friend on the helicarrier. The Winter Soldier does recognize him a bit when Rogers quotes their friendship motto: “I’m with you till the end of the line.” Captain America falls into the river after a ship collision, but Bucky does show a little humanity and saves him.
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Heroism Regained in Fighting Thanos' Army
The Winter Soldier played a crucial role in theCaptain Americatrilogy. Over the course of these films, the good and evil sides of his character were explored. Of course, he has never been termed a supervillain, but rather an anti-hero who was tortured badly to transform into an assassin, which he never intended to be. By the end ofCaptain America: Civil War, Bucky is taken to Wakanda with the hope of healing Hydra’s psychological programming instilled in his mind. During his time in Wakanda, he seeks peace, and his mind is cured with the help of Shuri’s de-programming. Also, he receives a new name, the White Wolf. He stands by his Avengers friends to fight the biggest battle of everyone’s life against Thanos inAvengers: Infinity War.
The 100-year-old man keeps his struggle with identity and hardships aside and bravely faces the forces of Thanos alongside the Avengers. But sadly, the Mad Titan kills Vision and claims the Mind Stone. He snaps and wipes out half of the population. Bucky also disappears in the blip, but this doesn’t put an end to his heroic story.
Related:The Winter Soldier: What Could Be Next for Sebastian Stan in the MCU
Acceptance and Redemption
InAvengers: Endgame, Steve leaves Bucky to go back in time to live life with Peggy Carter. In addition, he also brands Sam Wilson as the successor to his legacy.The Falcon and the Winter Soldierunites the two chaotic Steve Rogers friends once again. In the Disney+ series, Bucky tries to right the wrongs of the crimes his brainwashed self committed. He starts attending therapy sessions following court orders. Over the years, Bucky’s personality has become reserved and distant.
The scene is heartbreaking when he is hesitant to open up about his nightmares, and is reminded of his loneliness. He is left alone with no family, history, or love. Even his beloved friend leaves him, thinking that he is going to be alright. But when Bucky finds out about John Walker being the next Captain America, he lashes out at Sam for giving up the shield, as he was emotionally connected with it as it belonged to his best friend. The series proved to be a redemption arc for him. As the words like “Longing, Rusted, Seventeen, Daybreak” no longer controlled him.
He tries his best to make amends and apologize to the people he hurt by killing their beloved ones as the Winter Soldier. In the flashback scene in Wakanda, Ayo says to him “You’re free.” His tears and emotionality proved that he felt a sense of relief that he had got his mind back. From sufferings to seeing him smile a bit at the end of the Disney+ series, Bucky Barnes has come a long way. He will return to theupcoming MCU filmThunderbolts.
