Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes is a highlight of the MCU, which is why I’m concerned that Marvel is repeating a problem with the character after seeing the first Thunderbolts* reactions that lavish Florence Pugh with praise. I’m not saying that Pugh doesn’t deserve it, of course. I knew from the outset that the Oscar-nominated actress would be one of the movie’s greatest ᴀssets, and her tenure as Yelena Belova in the MCU has been as heartfelt as it is hilarious. For that matter, my excitement for the next MCU movie is rooted in the talents of the Thunderbolts* cast.

Despite the colorful host of characters providing the closest thing we’ve had to an Avengers-level ensemble movie since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, it certainly looked as though Bucky Barnes would be front and center. Recent Thunderbolts* trailers have also confirmed that the MCU veteran will indeed be the one to ᴀssemble the Thunderbolts in a desperate attempt to quell the Void. Nevertheless, the largely positive smattering of first reactions to the movie started to make me feel slightly pessimistic about Bucky’s overall involvement.

For 14 Years, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes Has Been Sidelined

Bucky Barnes Debuted As A Sidekick And Has Always Since Been Secondary To Others

Bucky Barnes is one of the longest-serving characters in the MCU, with a tenure rivaled only by a prominent handful, including Thor and Bruce Banner – two of the founding Avengers. Nonetheless, Bucky has struggled to move past the sidekick status with which he was introduced in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger. Even when Bucky has been the тιтular character of a movie or show – namely, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – he still played second fiddle to HYDRA and Sam Wilson, respectively.

Despite Bucky Barnes boasting a larger CV, Sam Wilson stepped into the spotlight after Steve Rogers’ departure. While I’m certainly not averse to this – I firmly believe Sam Wilson is the best choice to succeed Steve Rogers – Steve’s retirement still provided an opportunity for Bucky to step out of his shadow. Unfortunately, he did so only to step into Sam Wilson’s. Thunderbolts*, I thought, was poised to change this state of affairs – but the first Thunderbolts* reactions paint a contrary picture.

The Thunderbolts* Reactions Focused A Lot On Florence Pugh’s Performance

Many Of The First Reviews Lavish Pugh With Praise

I’m glad to see that the first reactions to Thunderbolts* are widely positive. An exclusive cohort has been granted early access to Thunderbolts* and has been posting their spoiler-free reactions to the movie online. The general sentiment towards Thunderbolts* so far suggests that it is emotional, bold, and generally a breath of fresh air from Marvel, in stark contrast to criticisms leveled at Captain America: Brave New World that focused on its adherence to the tried-and-tested Marvel formula. At the forefront of these positive reviews are two names in particular: Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman.

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@NextBestPicture, for instance, ᴀsserts that Florence Pugh “carries much of the dramatic weight of the movie on her back,” while “Lewis Pullman delivers a complex performance as a sympathetic character at war with himself.”

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@JacobFisherDF mentions the cast-wide chemistry within the movie, but specifically shouts out Pugh and Pullman’s performances.

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@BeanzGotGamez also lavishes Thunderbolts* with praise and points out the chemistry between Thunderbolts members and their emotions, then shouts out Pugh’s Yelena as their “MVP.”

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@EmilyVMurray also praises Pugh, ᴀsserting that she “walks away with it.”

Therein lies my concern. I have no doubt that Florence Pugh deserves the praise with which she has been showered, but her receiving so much focus would suggest that she takes center stage throughout much of the movie. It’s hard to believe, for instance, that her fellow Oscar nominee, Sebastian Stan, wouldn’t have also been shouted out if he received as much screen-time. Sadly, I worry about what this means for Bucky.

I’m Worried Thunderbolts* Won’t Give Bucky Barnes The Story He Deserves

Bucky Barnes Is Overdue His Time In The Limelight

If it is the case that Thunderbolts* is spotlighting Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, then Bucky Barnes must be playing second fiddle once again. Thunderbolts* feels like the foremost opportunity for Marvel Studios to front Bucky Barnes as the leader of the тιтular team, and yet the studio seems to be opting out. The fact that the MCU’s teams are typically led by main characters like Captain America and Peter Quill makes this particularly baffling.

Bucky Barnes is one of the most famous fan-favorites in the MCU, with an appeal that at least measures up to the likes of Loki. This is largely thanks to how compelling and sympathetic he is, being a tortured soul with a spotty past that seeks to redeem past sins he committed while enthralled. With its focus on themes of mental health, Thunderbolts* feels like the perfect stage for Bucky Barnes, a character who deserves the spotlight just as much as Sam Wilson, but things aren’t looking too positive in that regard.

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

  Release Date

  
  May 1, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Spider-Man: Brand New Day

  Release Date

  
  July 31, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Secret Wars

  Release Date

  
  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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Sources: Multiple sources listed above via X.