Superheroes often inspire hope and optimism in all of us. However, opposing qualities, such as pain and loss, are the ones that define their backstory. This very principle has also held true in the Marvel Cinematic Universe across countless movies and series. The world's greatest protectors and saviors must learn what it's like to lose to understand that with great power comes great responsibility. Despite that, their path is often paved with suffering, sacrifices, and in the worst-case scenario, even death.
Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff, Maria Hill, Quicksilver, Gamora, and many more MCU heroes have given their lives away in the name of the greater good. While it has been heartbreaking to see the end of all these characters, the worst could be yet to come. Two big Avengers movies are on the horizon, and while they intrinsically generate a lot of excitement, it also means that the stakes will be higher than ever. Doctor Doom is coming, and he won't stop at nothing to reign supreme over the multiverse. Unfortunately, that means some veteran heroes might not survive the big crossovers, and we already have our first suspect.
Sebastian Stan comments about his time on Marvel sparks speculation of Bucky's death
During an interview on the Stronger Podcast, Sebastian Stan discussed his time in the MCU portraying one of the most popular anti-heroes in recent history: The Winter Soldier. While Stan's comments evoke nothing but gratitude, fans are concerned that he spoke about his time in Marvel exclusively in the past tense—hinting that this iconic journey might've already come to an end:
"I have to try to offer something different than before, and I’ve never favored one role over another (...) The Marvel stuff, I’ll always, till the end of time, like really helped me grow as a person and helped me grow as an actor, and it taught me relationships [like] Robert Downey [Jr.] and Scarlett [Johansson] and all these people I looked up to (...) It was a family, and it gave me, like, a sense of belonging and everything, and it’s always there for that, but it was only the step one for me."
Wording is key, and Sebastian Stan saying that his time in Marvel "was only step one" certainly makes it seem like tragedy awaits Bucky. The timing of these comments certainly complicates things further, as two massive Avengers movies are on the horizon, and everyone knows that anything could happen in them.
In every big MCU crossover to date, a big death has taken place; Phil Coulson was the reason Earth's Mightiest Heroes assembled in the first Avengers film, Quicksilver took a bullet during the events of Age of Ultron, Gamora, Loki, and Vision perished in Infinity War, and Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff sacrificed themselves during Endgame. If history repeats itself, then Bucky could very well pay the price of Doom's invasion.
Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame were all about shining the spotlight on veterans such as Iron Man, Black Widow, and Steve Rogers' Captain America one last time before their inevitable farewells. Chances are that Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars will follow a similar strategy, meaning that the heroes we've seen in multiple projects at this point are in a riskier position than the young blood. Bucky made his debut all the way back in the MCU's Phase 1 and has appeared in seven movies to date, as well as one Disney+ show. Needless to say, his story could very well come to an end soon.
Bucky is one of the characters who is officially confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, along with the rest of the New Avengers. While the anti-hero's appearance in any Marvel project is always welcome, it could also be one of the last times we ever see him in action if Sebastian's comments are anything to go by. Hopefully, the Winter Soldier still has a long future ahead of him, but if not, let's hope he goes out with a bang.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released on Dec. 18, 2026.