Sebastian Stan: Will Bucky Barnes Stay a Congressman or Return as a Hero?

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Warning: This post contains SPOILERS for Thunderbolts*

After the premiere of “Thunderbolts”, several queries about the destinies of the characters linger. The film features Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Wyatt Russell playing John Walker/U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kamen portraying Ava Starr/Ghost, Olga Kurylenko in the role of Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster, and David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian. Given their past roles as villains or antiheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a crucial aspect of “Thunderbolts” revolves around self-acceptance and how it can pave the way for redemption.

It’s worth noting that at the start of the movie, Bucky has already dealt with his past as the Winter Soldier, including the pain it brought him. He’s found a way to live with his violent history and try to make up for the harm he caused others. Unlike the other Thunderbolts, Bucky has gone through this process, making him something of a guide or mentor for the team.

Although it may seem otherwise, Bucky hasn’t abandoned his own journey. Initially, in the movie, Bucky is a freshman congressman, but he realizes that politics aren’t the ideal platform for him to serve the public. By the end of the film, he re-embraces his vigilante role and joins the New Avengers team.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Stan elaborated on the reasoning behind the character development for Bucky, stating: “He’s been seeking his purpose to contribute differently than he has before. In the end, he comes to understand, ‘I am who I am, and I’ll do things my way, and that’s all there is to it.'” He added humorously, “After all, there are plenty of peculiar politicians these days anyway,” leading Russell to suggest jokingly that Bucky could potentially be both a congressman and an Avenger.

What Sebastian Stan’s Comments About Bucky’s Congressional Future Mean

Bucky’s Political Career Was Short-Lived

In “Captain America: Brave New World,” Bucky’s storyline took an unexpected turn following “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.” However, this new direction for Bucky as a politician didn’t last long. The concept of a war criminal turning into a politician raises several valid questions from the beginning, such as how someone with such a past could be elected and why he would choose politics in the first place. Although it was revealed that Bucky was brainwashed during his time as the Winter Soldier, this sudden shift still caught viewers off guard.

After the events of Thunderbolts, it seems clear that Bucky’s brief political stint was intended as a stepping stone back to full-time heroics. Given his extensive military background and past as an assassin, he might not be suited for civilian life anymore. Nevertheless, this political experiment allowed him to understand how much he has transformed and find his suitable role.

Our Take On Sebastian Stan’s Comments About Bucky’s Congressional Future

The New Avengers May Be A Better Place For Bucky To Shine

Jake Schreier, director of Thunderbolts, aptly summarized it as: “He’s discovered a new environment that aligns better with him.” Bucky, who had a knack for action even before he was the Winter Soldier, was deeply committed to standing up for his convictions. While politics might seem like a natural fit for someone of his disposition, it wouldn’t be unexpected for him to tire of battling governmental red tape. With the New Avengers, Bucky can leverage his experience to guide others and fulfill his desire to fight for a cause.

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2025-05-05 01:48