Thunderbolts*

is one of the most mysterious upcoming movies on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

slate, but after the Avengers: Doomsday

announcement, I feel confident that Bucky Barnes is safe. Sebastian Stan joined the MCU way back in Captain America: The First Avenger, where the character suffered a terrible fate, falling to his apparent demise. However, in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, it was revealed that Bucky actually managed to survive his fall, but he was captured by HYDRA, and forced to operate as their ᴀssᴀssin under mind control.

And now, as one of the oldest living characters in the MCU after Steve Rogers decided to retire in Avengers: Endgame, I’m more attached to the character than ever. But I have to admit that I was incredibly nervous about his fate in Thunderbolts*, a movie that the MCU has been desperate to keep most of the specifics about under wraps. However, with the recent release of the Avengers: Doomsday cast list, it feels like Bucky’s survival has been confirmed.

I’ve Been So Nervous About Bucky Barnes’ Fate Ever Since Theories Emerged He Dies In Thunderbolts*

Thunderbolts* Had The Potential To Cross Off Some Names Ahead Of Avengers: Doomsday

Bucky is likely the oldest living mortal in the MCU right now, and, of course, the super soldier serum has helped him in that department, but as far as being a hero is concerned, he has only recently joined the side of the heroes. Bucky has always been a good guy, but for a huge portion of his life, he was under the control of HYDRA, acting as their lackey, and now he needs time to redeem himself and live a good life without the constant supervision and control of a malevolent organization. But with his upcoming role in Thunderbolts*, there was speculation that he could be on his way out.

The thing is, Thunderbolts* is being set up as this movie that could put any and all of these misfit heroes in danger. They are working for a secretive organization, with very little oversight, and the majority of the team has been involved in shady dealings. It feels like the risks are pretty high. Add into the mix the terrifying villain that the trailers appear to be introducing, and it seems like this movie is likely to see at least one of the heroes meet their end.

Avengers: Doomsday’s Casting Announcement Including Sebastian Stan Has Convinced Me Bucky Barnes Will Survive Thunderbolts*

Doomsday Kind Of Spoiled Some Of Thunderbolts* Mystery, But I’m Not Mad About It

But, with the announcement listing the names of nearly all the Thunderbolts*, it feels like the MCU just confirmed that Bucky is safe and will make it to the end of the road in the Multiverse Saga. Now, it is a possibility that he could die in Thunderbolts* and a variant of the character may turn up in Doomsday, but that seems like a stretch, considering they could have withheld the reveal that Sebastian Stan would be involved at all, then seen him get killed in Thunderbolts*, only to make a surprise return in Doomsday.

Now if he dies in Thunderbolts*, at most, that’s a little confusing, because he was confirmed to appear in Doomsday. With that in mind, it seems pretty likely that Bucky will make it to the end of the line, and hopefully have a pretty prominent role in the final chapters of the Multiverse Saga, at which point, he could lay down his life in a sacrifice to save the Multiverse from Doctor Doom. As much as that is speculation, at least we know that Sebastian Stan will still remain in the MCU beyond his next major appearance in Thunderbolts*, and move on to at least Avengers: Doomsday.

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: Brand New Day

  Release Date

  
  July 31, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Secret Wars

  Release Date

  
  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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