Sebastian Stan is set to reprise his role as Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, in Marvel’s Thunderbolts after a nearly five-year absence. In a recent interview, Stan reflected on the evolution of his character, noting how both he and Bucky have grown over time.
Stan explained that revisiting Bucky is always enjoyable because the character continues to evolve along with him. He last appeared as Bucky in the 2021 Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and his return in Thunderbolts will mark his first big-screen appearance since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
In Thunderbolts, Bucky joins a team of misfit antiheroes, including Yelena Belova (played by Florence Pugh) and John Walker (Wyatt Russell). Stan expressed surprise at where the character’s journey has taken him but is intrigued by the dynamic of this unconventional team.
He mentioned that Bucky may find himself more at home with this group than he initially realizes, highlighting the character’s ongoing development. Stan emphasized that this continual evolution is what makes Bucky such an exciting role to play, and he believes fans will enjoy the film.
Before Thunderbolts, however, Stan is starring in A Different Man, a psychological drama. In this film, he plays Edward, an aspiring actor with neurofibromatosis who undergoes a transformative facial surgery.
However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he learns that a play is being made about his former self, with another actor portraying him. Stan’s co-stars in the movie include Adam Pearson and Renate Reinsve, and the film promises a complex and unique narrative.
Stan’s role in A Different Man showcases his versatility as an actor, taking on a challenging role far removed from the superhero genre. The movie, which explores themes of identity and transformation, will give Stan the opportunity to stretch his acting skills in a very different kind of story. The film is scheduled for release in theaters on October 4, offering a stark contrast to his upcoming Marvel return.
Fans of Stan can look forward to seeing him in A Different Man this October, while Marvel enthusiasts will have to wait until May 2, 2025, for his appearance in Thunderbolts. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to expand, both films show the breadth of Stan’s acting career, from exploring psychological drama to revisiting the ever-evolving character of Bucky Barnes in Marvel’s upcoming Phase 5 and 6 projects.