Sebastian Stan reveals how playing Bucky Barnes made him a better actor

Sebastian Stan gave a new interview where he talks future projects and gives fans a little hope that he could be interested in bigger franchise roles.

While he hasn’t played a main role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Sebastian Stan is definitely a fan favorite. His character may not have appeared on screen as much as most characters, but Bucky Barnes did play a large part in driving the arc of the Captain America trilogy forward.

Bucky might be one of the dusted characters who was snapped out of existence by Thanos, but fans are still speculating about Sebastian Stan’s role in the future of the MCU. Many fans would love to see more of the character, and there has been a lot of theorizing about Bucky Barnes taking over the Captain America shield. Another top contender in fans’ eyes is Sam Wilson (Falcon), but there is no guarantee that either of these characters will take up the mantle.

In an interview with IndieWire, Sebastian Stan talked about some of his recent projects including Destroyer where he co-stars with Nicole Kidman. Stan started getting success with indie movies after I, Tonya came out last year. His other recent projects include other indie films such as the upcoming We Have Always Lived in the Castle.

Stan says he likes the indie roles and how playing characters in big franchises isn’t necessarily his forte, but he’s learned to appreciate the bigger roles, too:

"I don’t think it came naturally to me. Even if you look back a few years ago, I remember doing interviews and just being so scared and just trying to take it all in. I feel like I’ve learned a way to sort of embrace it."

In the interview, he expresses his interest in continuing with indie roles, but he doesn’t give away too much about his character in the MCU. However, it does sound like he’s not against taking on a bigger role in a franchise which could be hopeful news for those fans who do want him to become Captain America.

"Look, I would never necessarily say no to a lead in a franchise. I love all movies, so I’m game. … I think I’ve been so lucky to have this Marvel universe to go back to. I’ve learned a tremendous amount in 10 years. They’ve given me so many opportunities, and one of the opportunities that they’ve given me is a chance to go out there and find something that’s gonna stretch me in some way, and challenge me in a way that’s gonna be different. … I mean, how much better than that can it get?"

It’s comforting to know that Stan might be interested in taking on more major roles in large films in the future. While mum’s the word on his future at Marvel, this means he might not role out taking on a lead role such as the next iteration of Captain America if it’s offered to him.

Many actors do a mix of large blockbuster films as well as more indie selections, so he could easily do a bit of both over the years. Besides, as Stan points out, money and fame from the big films give actors the ability to pick the roles that they really want. Sebastian Stan fans likely want to see him take on a variety of interesting roles. Even if he doesn’t end up taking up the shield in the MCU, there is definitely room for the character to take on a larger role, and it sounds like Stan might be up for the challenge.

Of course, fans will likely have to wait until after Avengers: Endgame at least to know if Bucky Barnes is likely to continue on in the MCU. There is still likely going to be a Falcon/Bucky TV show, so fans can hopefully count on at least having more Bucky in some way or another.