Bucky Barnes’ Time to Shine in Thunderbolts?! You Won’t Believe Why!

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Summary

  • Bucky Barnes needs proper recognition in the MCU as a leader, not just a sidekick.
  • The morally gray nature of the Thunderbolts team can reflect Bucky’s struggles with guilt and redemption.
  • The Thunderbolts film could address Bucky’s guilt in a meaningful way, providing him with opportunities for catharsis.

Among all characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s arguably Bucky Barnes, or “The Winter Soldier,” who has yet to receive his full recognition. Yet, with the impending arrival of Thunderbolts, there’s a strong possibility that this situation might soon be rectified.

In May 2025, Jake Schreier’s latest contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe will debut in cinemas. Unlike traditional hero-centric stories, this film, titled “*Thunderbolts*,” focuses on a formidable ensemble of characters typically associated with villainous roles. The movie follows a group of antiheroes who are trapped and compelled to embark on a perilous mission. This journey will require them to confront the most troubling aspects of their past, ultimately forcing them to confront and overcome their inner demons.

A notable addition to the latest team is Bucky Barnes, who was initially a mind-controlled super soldier for Hydra, committing acts of violence and murder at their behest. Although he’s had significant roles in comic books and even starred in his own series multiple times, the film version of The Winter Soldier has been underutilized repeatedly. However, the forthcoming series Thunderbolts* presents a chance to rectify this situation.

Make Bucky a Leader Instead of a Sidekick in Thunderbolts*

In all the movies and TV shows that Bucky has featured, he’s consistently portrayed as Captain America’s “companion.” This was true when Steve Rogers took on the role, and it remained so even after Steve passed the Star-Spangled Shield to Sam Wilson, which is quite different from his character development in the comics.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve always found it intriguing that, in the comics, Bucky steps into his best friend’s shoes and takes over as the star of the Captain America series. However, the creative minds behind the films chose a different path. Yet, if The Thunderbolts* team decides to make Bucky their leader, they could potentially correct this deviation by giving him command over this motley crew of characters.

It’s high time Bucky Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier, gets a chance to set his own course, to discover his reason for action – his personal ‘why’. There are layers yet unexplored in Bucky’s character that offer rich potential. We can delve into the complexities of his feelings of remorse for actions performed under Hydra’s control, or explore themes of redemption, penance, and making amends for past wrongdoings. Can he ever regain public trust and become one of the heroes they desperately need?

Additionally, Bucky Barnes is well-versed in various situations and maintains a strong moral compass, making him somewhat of a Steve Rogers counterpart, with the potential role of Winter Soldier among the team members. Switching roles could provide insight into leadership pressures and serve as an excellent method for character growth in future films and projects.

The Morally Gray Nature of the Team Reflects Bucky’s Own Struggle

Bucky Barnes shares a common ground with the members of the Thunderbolts team, as they all grapple with their turbulent pasts, dark actions, and the challenges of redefining themselves and starting anew.

In the movie, the internal struggle experienced by Bucky – his yearning for righteousness as he grapples with the violent actions of his past – mirrors the journey undertaken by members of the Thunderbolts team. For instance, Yelena Belova, previously a part of the Red Room, shares an analogous fate to that of Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow). Similar to Bucky, she was subjected to brainwashing and molded into an assassin, so deeply ingrained within her was the mission to kill that she genuinely believed in it.

If there’s anyone capable of guiding Yelena through this intricate maze of feelings, past hurts, and self-questioning, it’s undoubtedly Bucky.

Thunderbolts* Could Address Bucky’s Guilt in a Meaningful Way

On numerous occasions within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), there have been subtle indications that Bucky carries deep emotional turmoil and remorse for his past deeds. Yet, he’s seldom had a proper chance to grapple with this guilt. It seems almost unlikely for such a vast universe not to provide one of its major characters with a storyline to delve into their personal trauma and progress further in their development. Regrettably, that hasn’t been the case so far.

The Thunderbolts* might include scenes that allow Bucky to undergo a cleansing emotional release, a process that occurs when he’s placed in challenging moral dilemmas, required to shield others, or confronted with the shadows of his past. This could be achieved by having him face an adversary from Hydra, perhaps someone who provokes him and stirs up the remorse he has suppressed, pushing him to confront it and ultimately conquer it if he hopes to vanquish the villain.

Bucky Barnes is a character with a deep and complex psychological background that hasn’t been fully explored yet. If the creative team behind The Thunderbolts uses their intelligence, they should take this opportunity to address this issue. After all he’s been through, it’s high time for the Winter Soldier to confront his past and reveal his true self to the world.

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2025-04-21 23:45