Sebastian Stan has claimed in recent months that his Marvel future is a mystery to him. Thanks to the recent announcements about the upcoming Lightning strikes movie, we know that’s just another load of tripe. Stan has therefore now spoken about his next confirmed upcoming project, which is not making an appearance in Captain America: New World Order as everyone thought it would be, and during his interview, Stan even joked that he’s so happy to finally be free from working in Anthony Mackie’s shadow.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier brought the two best friends of former Captain America Steve Rogers together and by the end of the series it was clear where the future of The Falcon, aka Sam Wilson, lay. For Stan, however, his future as Bucky Barnes was a little less clear. In the post-credits scene of the series, John Walker/US Agent was recruited into an apparently shady group composed by Valentina Allegra De Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), but there was no mention of Bucky joining the same squad. While discussing his surprise return with the Hollywood reporterStan joked:
“All I can say, freedom tastes great. Finally I’m free. No, I love him… It’s weird (without him) of course. That’s, you know, it’s a bit like Stockholm syndrome. .. it’s nice to at least always be close to each other.”
Sebastian Stan can still be part of Captain America 4
Since his first appearance in Captain America: The First AvengerSebastian Stan has appeared in all the Captain America movies, as well as some Avengers roles, and of course last year’s movies The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. It wouldn’t take too long to believe that Stan will be back to reprise his role in Captain America: New World Orderto be released in May 2024, two months earlier Lightning strikes. Since Bucky Barnes has not joined the Thunderbolts team so far, his appearance in Captain America 4 could very well deliver that teasing as a post-credits scene.
Of course, Stan has been quite busy outside of his work with Marvel Studios, having recently appeared in Hulu’s Pam and Tommy series, the dark thriller Freshand the upcoming movie from A24 Another man. However, like anyone joining the MCU in a prominent role, there’s always a chance there’s a new project ahead for Stan in the role of Bucky Barnes, at least for the foreseeable future.
The Lightning strikes will be part of the MCU’s Phase 5 as the Marvel Cinematic Universe builds towards its next Avengers event, The Kang Dynasty and Secret Warsbut what exactly the plot of the film entails and how this de Multiverse Saga is currently unknown and will be revealed in the coming years. Meanwhile, fans can always catch up with Stan’s MCU involvement thus far on Disney+, where the entire Marvel franchise is now available to watch.