Bucky’s return to the MCU is much better than him being a replacement for Captain America

Bucky Barnes could easily be the replacement for Captain America in the MCU, but Thunderbolts* It is expected to chart an exciting new path for the Marvel veteran. Sebastian Stan first appeared as James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes in 2011. Captain America: The First Avengerso its return in 2025 Thunderbolts* will be 14 years into the MCU, making him one of the longest-running characters in the franchise. Bucky Barnes is also one of the most volatile characters in the MCU. Thunderbolts* this trend is expected to continue.

First introduced as Steve Rogers’ childhood best friend and Captain America’s ally, Bucky Barnes went on to become the HYDRA-controlled Winter Soldier and later an Avenger and partner of the new Captain America, Sam Wilson. It’s been great to see Bucky Barnes’ redemption arc develop across multiple MCU projects.and it almost took a huge step forward in Avengers: Endgame. Although Marvel Studios has avoided making Bucky a real superhero, his upcoming narrative Thunderbolts* this is an even better match.

Bucky could be Captain America’s replacement in the MCU

Steve Rogers instead chose Sam Wilson to replace him as Captain America.

Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers hung up his shield after Thanos was defeated during the Battle of Earth in 2019. Avengers: Endgameinstead, the past decided to retire with Peggy Carter after returning the Infinity Stones to their respective timelines. However, he couldn’t leave the MCU without Captain America, so he returned to pass the patriotic mantle to his successor, Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson. While Sam is a great fit for the role of Captain America and follows in the footsteps of his Marvel Comics counterpart, many wanted Bucky Barnes to replace Rogers..

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier saw Bucky Barnes reveal that Rogers talked to him about giving the shield and mantle of Captain America to Sam Wilson. This could mean that Rogers offered the position to Bucky first, and this would make sense considering the fact that they are childhood friends, Bucky is already a super soldier, and he becomes Captain America in the Marvel comics.long before Sam Wilson. However, Sam got the job and it could have worked out perfectly for Bucky Barnes.

The Thunderbolts are a much better future for Bucky than for Captain America.

Bucky Barnes could become an independent hero in Thunderbolts*

Instead of becoming Captain America and perhaps a member of the new Avengers team, Bucky Barnes has a future among a different group of superpowers. Thunderbolts*. Bucky was described as the de facto leader of the first team of Thunderbolts in the MCU, although he was not featured heavily in the film’s first teaser trailer. This suggests that Bucky will have a hand in uniting the members of the Thunderbolts, helping to give people like him—those with skeletons in their closets and seen as expendable weapons—real purpose..

Ever since Bucky Barnes became the Winter Soldier under HYDRA’s control, he has been a morally gray character in the MCU. Even after he was freed from HYDRA’s conditioning, Bucky still uses brutal methods to achieve his goals, making him the epitome of an anti-hero.and the ideal candidate to form and lead the future Thunderbolts team. This is a much stronger future for Bucky Barnes in the MCU than what could happen with Captain America. Bucky isn’t heroic enough to be Captain America, but he’s perfect for the Thunderbolts.

The Thunderbolts* can complete Bucky’s redemption

Bucky Barnes struggled with his past as the Winter Soldier

His escape at the end Captain America: The Winter Soldier began Bucky Barnes’ redemption arc in the MCU, as he had spent the previous decades committing murder and heinous acts under the control of HYDRA. During his time in Wakanda, he was finally freed from HYDRA’s conditioning, but The Falcon and the Winter Soldier proved that he still hasn’t fully come to terms with his actions as the Winter Soldier.. Bringing together and leading the Thunderbolts into Phase 5 could be the best way for him to finally move on.

Spending time with the dysfunctional Thunderbolts may prove to Bucky that he’s not all bad, and in fact, he’s spent many years trying his best to atone for his actions as the Winter Soldier. He appears to be showing off his more violent tendencies in the teaser trailer. Thunderbolts*suggesting his redemption arc may be completeand he can be at peace with his identity, whether as the Winter Soldier or under the little-used moniker of White Wolf. Bucky Barnes can become an independent and well-rounded hero. Thunderbolts*no longer associated with Captain America.