One particular absence from Captain America: Brave New World may feel like a disappointment for some fans, but it’s the necessary direction for all of the characters involved. With every major Avenger in the MCU, there is a cast of supporting characters helping to define their story. For Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers, it was Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes. They made their debut as the best friend duo in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, and, despite Bucky’s apparent death in that film, Stan went on to appear alongside Evans in the rest of the Captain America trilogy.
Bucky’s most recent MCU appearance was in 2021’s The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, where he helped Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson grow into his newfound Captain America role. When thinking about the patriotic hero, Bucky is likely the first name that fans have come to ᴀssociate with him. However, Sam’s Captain America marks a new chapter for the hero which will come with big changes, including Bucky’s first absence from a Captain America film since his debut 14 years ago.
Brave New World Is The First Captain America Movie Without A Key MCU Character
Captain America: Brave New World will be the first Captain America movie without Bucky. With the development of Sam and Bucky’s relationship in The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, it seemed for a while that Sam’s first solo film would feature the long-time Cap ally. By the end of the series, though, the two characters went their separate ways, and it’s since been confirmed that Stan will not appear in Brave New World. It’ll be jarring to watch a project about Captain America that doesn’t include his best friend, but it’s the direction that makes the most sense for both characters.
With Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres as the new Falcon, Bucky’s presence ultimately doesn’t feel as necessary in a film where Steve is absent.
Mackie and Stan’s great chemistry is what would’ve actually made Brave New World difficult. It worked in the Disney+ series because they both had equal roles, but Captain America 4 is really supposed to be Sam’s moment to shine. If Bucky was in the film, some of that attention would’ve been taken away from him. Bucky was always more Steve’s friend and sidekick, whereas he and Sam had more of a contentious working relationship. With Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres as the new Falcon, Bucky’s presence ultimately doesn’t feel as necessary in a film where Steve is absent.
Why Thunderbolts* Is The Best Next Step For Bucky’s MCU Story
Bucky’s absence from Brave New World doesn’t mean the end of his time in the MCU. Stan will be starring in Thunderbolts* later this year, where Bucky will even get to be the leader of the anti-hero team. The character has been a fan favorite for over a decade yet has always played more of a supporting role. Thunderbolts* is the right next step for Bucky’s MCU story because it’ll finally allow him a chance to shine as his own character, rather than a sidekick to someone else.
Although Thunderbolts* is an ensemble film, there’s no doubt that Bucky’s years of battle will make him the best leader for the team, ultimately thrusting Stan into more of a starring role. This is a new era for Bucky where he isn’t defined by Captain America anymore, so seeing how he takes charge of a team of strangers is the best way to test his decade-long character development. Leaving Bucky out of Captain America: Brave New World will let Sam get his flowers, and it’s led Bucky to a much more fitting project for his MCU story anyway.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Captain America: Brave New World
- Release Date
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February 14, 2025
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Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
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May 2, 2025
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
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Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
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Spider-Man Homecoming 4
- Release Date
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July 24, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
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