‘Never Expected To Be Back’: Sebastian Stan Talks About Returning As Bucky Barnes In Thunderbolts*

Sebastian Stan teased his Thunderbolts* character will be a little different

There’s a huge buzz surrounding the Thunderbolts movie. It will see Sebastian Stan reprising his role as Bucky Barnes, last seen on screen in 2021’s Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, alongside Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson. Although he provided voiceovers for a few episodes of the animated show What If…?, his live-action return to the screen has been absent until now with Thunderbolts*.

Stan admitted that he harbored significant reservations about the revival of his character on the big screen. “I never thought I would return,” he stated during his San Diego Comic-Con discussion. “However, with this team it’s been a remarkable voyage for my character,” he continued.

Stan found it reasonable given that Marvel’s Phase 5 is planning to introduce several fresh characters who might extend into Phase 6. However, he was taken aback to discover that his character still played a significant role in the storyline.

Stan’s tenure within the Marvel Cinematic Universe has spanned over 13 years, during which his character has undergone various transformations. As the actor shared, fans are set to discover an unexpected aspect of Bucky. “We’ve managed to put him in a truly enjoyable position,” Stan commented, hinting at Bucky’s lively side from Brooklyn. Moreover, the actor feels that this is the perfect spot for his character, stating, “If you watch the film, we’re all an unusual group, and he fits perfectly within it.”

Sebastian Stan deadly missed playing Bucky Barnes

It’s reasonable to infer that Stan didn’t hesitate in agreeing to reprise his MCU role, as he has expressed a deep longing for it. Fortunately, even though Marvel encountered difficulties at the box office, they are open to taking chances with their group of outcasts – essentially, Marvel’s equivalent of DC’s Suicide Squad.

“The 41-year-old expressed his thrill to Variety, mentioning that rejoining the Marvel Cinematic Universe and playing his character again is one of the most enjoyable experiences he’s had lately. He also admitted that being away from his character Bucky was tough for him, saying, ‘I really missed it,’ with a hint of excitement in his voice.”

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but gush over the stellar cast of this upcoming project. The acting talent is so dense that it feels like hitting home runs one after another, yet finding the perfect spot for each player proves to be quite a challenge. Playing this role again and again has always been a privilege, but with this specific character, I find myself even more excited. There’s just something special about this one, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be joining an exceptional cast in the upcoming Thunderbolts project. Among my co-stars will be Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Olga Kurylenko, Harrison Ford, Lewis Pullman, and Geraldine Viswanathan. Can’t wait to bring this story to life together!

Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* is slated for May 2, 2025 release.