I’ve noticed that Bucky Barnes is the only MCU character in Thunderbolts* who doesn’t wear a superhero suit, and I think Captain America: Brave New World holds the answers. Bucky Barnes is known to have sported one of the most iconic and recognizable MCU costumes during his stint as the Winter Soldier in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but he has since relinquished the mask after being steadily brought back to his senses. He is also seen sporting a unique ensemble in later movies like Avengers: Infinity War when he was ostensibly operating under the White Wolf pseudonym in Wakanda.
Bucky is next due to appear in Thunderbolts* on May 2. By the looks of the trailer footage (and via behind-the-scenes knowledge), it appears Bucky will play a central role as the leader of the тιтular team. Said team comprises a who’s-who of down-and-out reformed villains and antiheroes, including Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, and Ghost – with Taskmaster looking like she’ll bite the bullet early on. Yet, while each of his fellow team members is suited up in their respective super-suits, Bucky looks conspicuously bereft.
Bucky Barnes Is The Only Superhero Without A Suit In Thunderbolts*
Everyone Else Wears Their Usual Super-Suit
Several trailers for Thunderbolts* have now been released as Marvel Studios ramps up marketing for the movie’s release in May. Bucky Barnes can be seen sporting several outfits, from a nondescript t-shirt and jeans, a vest top, a leather jacket, and, of course, a full suit. Despite his teammates – in particular, Red Guardian – sporting the gaudy costumes representative of their superhero monikers, Bucky is never seen wearing one of his own. This is especially confusing as Bucky is presumably still on good terms with Wakanda, a country responsible for a litany of nifty super-suits like Captain America’s.
Bucky’s vibranium arm was last seen being gifted to Rocket Raccoon by Nebula in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, leading many to theorize that Bucky had another one made by the Wakandans.
Super-suits are somewhat sacrosanct in the MCU, helping to make its charismatic cast of characters stand out and be instantly recognizable in a fray. It is even a trope for these super-suits to be cycled through at a rate of at least one per movie. While Bucky has been seen sporting some instantly recognizable get-ups of his own, it’s pretty confusing to see that he’s relinquished visual ties to his super soldier superpowers, despite obviously engaging in heroics throughout the Thunderbolts* trailer. Nevertheless, Captain America: Brave New World offers a decent reason for his decision.
Captain America: Brave New World Confirmed Bucky’s Running For Congress
Bucky Leaves Sam To Attend A Campaign Event
Bucky Barnes makes a brief yet heartwarming cameo in Captain America: Brave New World as the new Cap, Sam Wilson, is experiencing another crisis of confidence following a near-miss with his companion/sidekick, Joaquin Torres’ Falcon. He comforts Sam in his time of need, reminding him that Steve Rogers bequeathed Wilson the shield and mantle because of who he is as a person. Bucky concludes his heart-to-heart with the line “You do your best. Steve gave them something to believe in. You give them something to aspire to,” to which Sam responds, “Did your speechwriters help you with that?“
Bucky then reveals he has a campaign event to attend, confirming that he is running for political office. We can also expect he will be successful in his attempt, as Bucky can be seen attending a political hearing in the Thunderbolts* trailer, which is mostly where he wears a standard suit. Evidently, carrying out duties as an elected representative is a marked departure from being a superhero, which is precisely why I think Bucky has relinquished his erstwhile role.
I’m Convinced Bucky Barnes Is A Retired Superhero At The Start Of Thunderbolts*
Bucky Won’t Have A Super-Suit Ready When Returning To His Heroics
It’s hard to imagine Bucky Barnes carrying out superhero duties while being a congressman. I even find it hard to believe that he was elected at all, given his decidedly spotty history as the Winter Soldier and the destructive role he played in Captain America: Civil War. Still, it seems to be that Bucky has successfully convinced the public to overlook his past transgressions, meaning he won’t want to rock that particular boat by continuing his super-heroics after gaining office. Nevertheless, Thunderbolts* shows him doing exactly that, suggesting he has come out of retirement to once again defend the world.
Should this be an unwitting return to form, I find it easier to believe why Bucky does not have a super-suit prepared.
Should this be an unwitting return to form, I find it easier to believe why Bucky does not have a super-suit prepared. The reason for Bucky coming out of retirement remains unconfirmed, though trailer footage gives us a decent clue. For example, Bucky can be seen watching Valentina Allegra de Fontaine with suspicion as they attend a gathering featuring items from the Avengers’ various adventures, while de Fontaine can also be seen watching Bob (who will presumably become the arch-villain, the Void) use his powers. It therefore stands to reason that Bucky will return to form in Thunderbolts* in response.
