Crossbones rumored to be returning to the MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe may not be done with Crossbones.

Crossbones could on his way back to the MCU soon, according to a recent rumor. MCU Cosmic reports that Marvel Studios has plans for the SHIELD operative-turned-villain. With this, the trade also stresses that it’s currently unclear as to whether he’ll appear in a film or TV series.

Crossbones made his MCU debut as SHIELD agent Brock Rumlow in 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where he was played by Frank Grillo. A member of the STRIKE team, he was later revealed to be a HYDRA mole. His loyalties ultimately caused him to suffer severe injuries after a Helicarrier crashed into the Triskelion.

The character resurfaced two years later in Captain America: Civil War, in which he had forsaken HYDRA and become the mercenary Crossbones. However, his role in the film was brief, as he sacrificed himself in an attempt to kill Steve Rogers.

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Since taking on the role, Frank Grillo has been vocal about his love for the character and, following Rumlow’s death, he assured fans that he would return. This came to pass when he returned for a scene in Avengers: Endgame. Last year, the actor also revealed that he is still contracted for five additional Marvel projects.

If Crossbones were to resurface, the places in which he could be used may be limited, especially since he appears to be dead. One potential landing spot could be Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Recently, it was reported that the film could feature alternate versions of established MCU characters. This – in theory – would leave the door open for the returns of Rumlow and other familiar faces.

Any possible return for Crossbones remains to be seen but, viewers can still look forward to seeing other villains like Zemo and Karl Mordo return in the near future.