Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes Might Not Star In Captain America: Brave New World

Sebastian Stan was introduced as Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger as an innocent sergeant who never hesitated to risk his life for his country and fought fiercely alongside Howling commandos during World War II. From there on, his character became a crucial part of every Captain America movie, which greatly highlighted his character evolution along with his long-standing friendship with Steve Rogers.

From being Steve Rogers' sidekick and best friend to being a dangerous assassin to redeeming himself at the end of The Falcon & the Winter Soldier, his character development remains one of the best in the MCU. However, as per recent reports, it's known that he will no longer be a part of Captain America 4, which will be led by Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, who will carry forward the star-spangled man's legacy. This will be the first time ever that there will be a Captain America movie without Bucky Barnes. Nevertheless, the news has already disheartened the fans who loved seeing Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes together in MCU projects.

In a recent interview with Radio Times, where Mackie came to promote his Twisted Metal series, he indirectly hinted about Stan's character not being a part of the 2025 movie. He also opened up about how he enjoyed working with Daniel Bruhl and Stan and how he eagerly wanted to do a second season of his Disney Plus series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

"The Falcon and [the] Winter Soldier, I really enjoyed doing that show. I was actually excited to do a second season, just so me and Sebastian [Stan] can get paid to hang out. Because it’s like me, him and Daniel Brühl, it’s kind of like the perfect storm of happiness. When they decided to go back to the movies, you know, it is what it is, but I don’t have my friends anymore, so it kind of dampens it a little bit."

- Anthony Mackie

Stan will next appear in Thunderbolts, which is set to release on May 2, 2025. The movie will bring back familiar MCU characters such as Yelena Belova, Ghost, John Walker/Us Agent, Red Guardian, Task Master, and others. This set of anti-heroes will be embarking on US government missions. They are more like a suicide squad version of the MCU.

Speaking of Anthony Mackie, he is all prepared to lead Captain America: Brave New World, as he has now officially transitioned from Falcon to the MCU's new Captain America. It would be great to follow his overall journey of adapting to this new world, where Steve Rogers is no more and he has to step into his shoes. As the titular character, he has to forge his own path and overcome challenges, while also transforming into a symbol of justice, hope, resilience, and freedom and honoring Steve's legacy.

Captain America: Brave New World will arrive in theaters on February 14, 2025.