Bucky Barnes has had a long history in the MCU, and I’m afraid that’s all going to come to an end in Thunderbolts*. From fighting in World War II to becoming a mind-controlled super soldier, Bucky’s MCU timeline has been nothing short of chaotic. When he was finally able to integrate back into society, he went from becoming a Wakandan refugee to an Avenger. Captain America: Brave New World recently revealed that he’s now a congressman, which seems completely out of the blue but also not surprising considering the other situations he’s gotten himself into.

How he will go from a congressman to a member of the Thunderbolts is beyond me, but it’s all the more reason why I’m excited for the release of Thunderbolts*. One glaring detail from the trailers, however, is the fact that Bucky is the only member of the Thunderbolts team not wearing a superhero suit. Although this detail doesn’t seem like a huge deal on the surface, leaving Bucky as the odd one out in the group could be a hint at the character’s MCU future.

Why I Think Bucky Isn’t Wearing A Superhero Suit In Thunderbolts*

He Doesn’t Operate Under A Hero Name

Bucky’s superhero suit for the past decade has been his Winter Soldier armor. It unfortunately was also what was causing him the most emotional pain, which is why he had a whole arc in The Falcon & The Winter Soldier about how he’s shedding himself of his past idenтιтy and starting over as just Bucky Barnes. He doesn’t have a superhero idenтιтy anymore which is perfectly fine, but it makes him unlike the other members of his team.

Even though none of the Thunderbolts are considered traditional heroes, they all still have superhero monikers that they operate under. Yelena is a Black Widow, Alexei is Red Guardian, John is U.S. Agent, Ava is Ghost, and Antonia is Taskmaster. Meanwhile, Bucky is now just himself. It’s the perfect development for where his character is at right now, but I can’t help but think that his lack of superhero idenтιтy may actually factor into his eventual Thunderbolts* fate.

I’m Worried Bucky’s Lack Of Superhero Idenтιтy Could Mean He Dies In Thunderbolts*

Marvel Has Been Lost When It Comes To Bucky

Ever since the MCU decided that Sam would be Captain America, it feels like the studio hasn’t really known what to do with Bucky. That’s not to say that it was the wrong choice as Sam’s new role makes complete sense, but the MCU has liked keeping Bucky as a supporting character to someone else’s protagonist, first with Steve in the Infinity Saga, then with Sam during TF&TWS. I’m worried that his lack of superhero idenтιтy combined with the fact that he’s had a long run in the MCU could mean that his time is coming to an end.

It was important for Bucky’s character to move away from the Winter Soldier idenтιтy if he wanted to heal from his guilt. However, it does feel like Marvel doesn’t know what to do with him now more than ever, especially with the congressman twist. Some fans have already been speculating that he may die in Thunderbolts*, and it really does feel like a possibility if it means it would further the stories of the other characters. His death would definitely have a huge impact on the franchise, and it feels even more likely since his MCU future is so murky.

I Hope I’m Wrong And Bucky Doesn’t Die In Thunderbolts* So Sebastian Stan Can Return

Stan Has Had A Great Year In Film

Sebastian Stan has been loyal to the MCU for over a decade, and it’d be completely understandable if he wanted to move on from the franchise. He’s having a great 2024/2025 season with a Golden Globe for his role in A Different Man and an Academy Award nomination for The Apprentice. He may want to move on to bigger things, but it’d also be amazing to keep Stan’s caliber of talent in the MCU. Fortunately for fans, Stan still has a positive relationship with Marvel, so it’s safe to ᴀssume that he’d return if asked.

The past award season showed off Stan and Anthony Mackie’s friendship, and it’d be a treat to see them on screen together again. If the reports about Avengers: Doomsday are true, and Chris Evans is actually returning, that would be another great reunion with Stan to look forward to. Whether Evans is a multiversal variant or the elderly Steve, a Bucky and Steve reunion seems like something Stan would stick around for. It’s hard to tell whether Bucky will make it through Thunderbolts* unscathed, but I’m hoping I’m wrong and that his time in the MCU is far from over.

Upcoming MCU Movies

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  Thunderbolts*

  Release Date

  
  May 2, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

  Release Date

  
  July 25, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
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  Spider-Man Homecoming 4

  Release Date

  
  July 24, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Secret Wars

  Release Date

  
  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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