James Buchanan Barnes, also known as Bucky, has had a wild ride in the MCU. After getting thrown from a moving train inCaptain America: The First Avenger, Bucky was cryogenically frozen and brainwashed into becoming a HYDRA assassin (who apparently shot JFK), rescued by Captain America and sent to Wakanda to recover, turned to ash after Thanos' snap, and is now living wild as a mentally free Winter Soldier.Sebastian Stanhas played the role for 13 years and counting, andhe never imagined Bucky would be part of a new team, as he joins the cast ofThunderbolts*, which hits theaters next May.
Speaking toGamesRadar+whilst promoting his new movie,A Different Man, Sebastian Stan reflected on his career playing Bucky Barnes, and his new group of “friends” inThunderbolts*. As the MCU’s answer toThe Suicide Squad,Thunderbolts*comprises Marvel’s morally flexible anti-heroes. In the first trailer for the movie, it appears as though Bucky has been tasked with hunting the outlawed heroes, before becoming a member of the team.“It’s always been fun for me to come back to him after all these years because you’re growing as a person, and then the character ends up growing,“Stan said about returning to play the character once again in the MCU.
Sebastian Stan then went on to describe Bucky’s mentalitytowards joining the new team. According to him, Bucky is attempting to live on his own, and doesn’t want to be associated with the team. But, the character finds himself liking theThunderbolts*far more than he wants to. Stan explained:
“I never would have thought we would have ended up where we have with him, but it’s a very interesting group of characters, and they all bring out different sides of themselves. I think[Bucky] finds himself way more suited to them than initially maybe he wants to admit, but he’s always an evolving character, and that’s what I love about him. It’s always trying to find another way of expressing. I think it’ll be fun. I think people will be excited for the movie.”
Thunderbolts* Is Redeeming the MCU’s Failed Heroes
Aside from Bucky Barnes, and potentially Yelena (Florence Pugh),Thunderboltsis made up of the MCU’s more underappreciated and underdeveloped characters.David Harbour’s Red Guardianis finally being given more screentime after his scene-stealing debut inBlack Widow. Speaking ofBlack Widow,Thunderboltsis finally giving Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) the treatment they deserve. The character is one of Marvel’s most popular and powerful villains, with the ability to mimic and adapt to any fighting style. Fans thought they’d seen the last of Taskmaster in the MCU, but they could finally become a mainstay after their redemption inThunderbolts*.
Thunderbolts* Star Responds To Bizarre Criticism About MCU Movie’s Poster
The six fingered Sentry has become a Marvel myth.
On the topic of underdeveloped villains, Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) is also being given a chance at redemption inThunderbolts*. Ghost was the main villain in the MCU’s most forgettable movie,Ant-Man and the Wasp(which wasn’t a bad film, it just had no impact on the wider MCU). It’s forgivable to have forgotten that Ghost even appeared in the movie, as much of the movie’s plot lacked that killer kick. But, just like Red Guardian and Taskmaster, Ghost could become a new featured face in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to her inclusion in the new, and potentially, far-reaching team-up.
Thunderbolts*
Thunderbolts* sees several MCU villains and anti-heroes return to join forces. This group of seven disillusioned individuals finds themselves caught in a lethal trap. Their only chance at survival lies in embarking on a dangerous mission, one that forces them to confront their troubled pasts and darkest secrets.
