Sebastian Stan has spent the last few months claiming that his Marvel future is a mystery to him. Thanks to the recent announcements about the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, we know that is just another load of tripe. Stan, therefore, has now been talking about his next confirmed upcoming project, which is not an appearance in Captain America: New World Order as everyone assumed it would be, and during his interview, Stan even joked that he is so pleased to be finally free of working in Anthony Mackie’s shadow.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier brought together the two best friends of former Captain America Steve Rogers, and by the end of the series, it was clear where The Falcon aka Sam Wilson’s future lay. For Stan though, his future as Bucky Barnes was a little less clear. In the post-credits scene of the series, John Walker/US Agent was seen being recruited to a seemingly shady group being put together by Valentina Allegra De Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), but there was no mention given to Bucky becoming part of that same team. While discussing his surprise return with the Hollywood Reporter, Stan joked:
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“All I can say, freedom tastes bright. Finally, I am free. No, I love him… It is weird (without him) of course. That’s, you know, it’s a little bit like Stockholm Syndrome…But anyway, it’s nice to at least always be close to each other.”
Sebastian Stan Could Still Be Part of Captain America 4
Marvel Studios
Since his first appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger, Sebastian Stan has appeared in all Captain America movies, as well as a number of Avengers features, and of course, last year’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. It would not be too much of a stretch to believe that Stan will be back to reprise his role in Captain America: New World Order, which is released in May 2024, two months before Thunderbolts. As there has been no set up for Bucky Barnes joining the Thunderbolts team so far, his appearance in Captain America 4 could well deliver that tease as a post-credits scene.
Of course, Stan has been pretty busy outside his work with Marvel Studios, having recently appeared in Hulu’s Pam and Tommy series, the dark thriller Fresh, and A24’s upcoming movie A Different Man. However, like anyone who joins the MCU in a prominent role, there is always a chance that a new project is just on the horizon for Stan in the role of Bucky Barnes, at least for the immediate future.
The Thunderbolts will form part of the MCU’s Phase 5 as the Marvel Cinematic Universe builds towards its next Avengers event, The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars, but what exactly the plot of the movie entails and how it could impact the Multiverse Saga is currently unknown and will be revealed over the next couple of years. In the meantime, fans can always catch up with Stan’s MCU involvement so far on Disney+, where the entire Marvel franchise is available to watch now.
