Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan. Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. Captain America and The Winter Soldier. These iconic pairings have become a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Fans can’t get enough of their dynamic, which earned an entire Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. But with Sam Wilson stepping into the spotlight in Captain America: Brave New World, one burning question remains: Will Bucky Barnes join him, or is this the start of a solo Captain America era?
Is Sebastian Stan Sitting This One Out?
Sebastian Stan’s recent comments have left fans scratching their heads. When asked about his involvement in Captain America 4 (RELEASING 14 FEB ’25 YAY!), Stan cryptically remarked that filming Thunderbolts was a “quieter year” because he didn’t see Anthony Mackie.
He added, “Although I miss Anthony Mackie like daily, and it’s something I don’t like to admit.” This playful sentiment seems to suggest that Stan and his beloved character, Bucky Barnes, are absent from Brave New World. But is that the whole story?
Stan’s comments are nuanced. He emphasized his work on Thunderbolts, a movie where Bucky leads a team of anti-heroes, but carefully avoided explicitly confirming his absence from Brave New World.
Marvel is no stranger to tight-lipped actors. Remember when Andrew Garfield adamantly denied his involvement in Spider-Man: No Way Home? Fans weren’t fooled then, and they aren’t convinced now.
What Did Anthony Mackie Say?
Anthony Mackie has also weighed in, and his statements lean toward the same conclusion. Speaking to Radio Times, Mackie admitted filming Brave New World felt different.
“I don’t have my friends anymore,” he shared, referring to Sebastian Stan and Daniel Brühl, who played Zemo. Mackie’s comments hint at a Captain America story focused on Sam Wilson’s journey, leaving behind the dynamics built in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
But there’s a catch. Mackie’s phrasing leaves room for interpretation. While he doesn’t have his “friends” anymore, could that mean they’re not part of the main narrative but might appear in cameos? MCU history has shown that “absence” doesn’t always mean “nonexistent.”
Will Captain America 4 Work Without Bucky?
Marvel seems to be signaling a shift. With Sam Wilson taking center stage as Captain America, this is his chance to prove himself, shield in hand, without leaning on the camaraderie he shared with Bucky Barnes.
The plot introduces new characters, including Joaquin Torres as the new Falcon, and pits Sam against formidable foes like The Leader and Red Hulk. These fresh dynamics could overshadow Bucky’s role if he were included.
Additionally, Marvel appears to be setting up distinct arcs for its characters. While Bucky is busy leading the anti-heroes in Thunderbolts, Sam’s solo journey in Brave New World could mark a defining moment for his Captain America.
Splitting their paths allows both characters to grow independently, which could make their eventual reunion even more impactful.
But Could Marvel Be Pulling a Fast One? (we hope so)
Marvel Studios loves surprises, and its actors are experts at keeping secrets. Sebastian Stan’s coy remarks could be an elaborate misdirect to preserve the element of surprise. After all, Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson’s friendship is one of the most beloved relationships in the MCU.
A cameo from Bucky would be a crowd-pleaser, offering a nostalgic nod to their shared history. Even if Bucky doesn’t play a central role in Brave New World, his absence might be temporary.
With Thunderbolts hitting theaters shortly after, Marvel could be saving Bucky’s story for a grander narrative arc that ties into the larger MCU framework.
What Does This Mean for Fans?
While official comments point to Bucky Barnes sitting this one out, the MCU has taught fans to expect the unexpected. Whether Sebastian Stan’s absence is genuine or a clever ruse, one thing is certain: Captain America: Brave New World will explore new dynamics and challenges for Sam Wilson.
And if Bucky doesn’t appear, fans can rest assured that his story will continue in Thunderbolts, where he’ll have plenty of screen time to shine.
Before the Liftoff
So, will Bucky Barnes be in Captain America 4? The evidence suggests he won’t—but the MCU is anything but predictable. As fans gear up for Brave New World, the possibility of a surprise cameo keeps the excitement alive.
Whether on-screen together or not, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes remain an inseparable part of Marvel’s legacy. And with Thunderbolts around the corner, the Winter Soldier’s next chapter is just beginning. Here’s to a thrilling Valentine’s!
About Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America: Brave New World is an upcoming American superhero film based on Marvel Comics featuring the character Sam Wilson / Captain America. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is intended to be the fourth installment in the Captain America film series, a continuation of the television miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), and the 35th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The film is directed by Julius Onah from a screenplay by Rob Edwards and the writing teams of Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musson and Onah & Peter Glanz. It stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America alongside Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Xosha Roquemore, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford.
Plot: Following the election of Thaddeus Ross as the president of the United States, Sam Wilson finds himself at the center of an international incident and must work to stop the true masterminds behind it.
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