Sebastian Stan wishes Bucky’s most significant storyline got more screentime in the MCU

Sebastian Stan has long captivated audiences as Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, since his debut in Captain America: The First Avenger. Fans are eagerly anticipating his return in the upcoming Thunderbolts film in 2025. In a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Stan expressed a desire to delve deeper into the complexities of Bucky’s character, particularly his experiences as the Winter Soldier.

Stan highlighted the character’s memory lapses and emotional struggles, noting that in the comics, Bucky’s alter ego often didn’t even realize he was someone else. He reflected on the trauma Bucky faced after waking up missing an arm and grappling with the loss of his emotions. “It would have been interesting to see,” he remarked, wishing that the films had explored more of this inner turmoil.

The conversation also touched on Stan’s missed opportunity for the role of Hal Jordan in the 2011 Green Lantern movie. He reminisced about auditioning alongside stars like Justin Timberlake and Ryan Reynolds, feeling out of place. Looking back, he seems relieved it didn’t pan out, as the film didn’t leave a significant mark on the superhero genre.

Interestingly, despite having around 50 to 60 minutes of screen time as the Winter Soldier (not counting his appearances in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), Stan’s portrayal has made a lasting impact. Many fans have called for a dedicated series to explore Bucky’s backstory further, particularly the time after his fall. With Marvel’s focus on origin stories and character exploration, a Winter Soldier series could resonate well with viewers and give Stan more opportunities to shine.

Outside of the MCU, Stan is also starring in the black comedy thriller A Different Man, where he plays Edward, an aspiring actor whose life takes a turn after he undergoes significant surgery. The film explores themes of identity and ambition, showcasing Stan’s versatility beyond the superhero genre.

In personal anecdotes, Stan shared that his mother has suggested he ease up on his intense expressions, hoping to lessen those frown lines that fans have come to associate with Bucky’s brooding demeanor. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Stan’s deep connection to the character and the narrative potential of the Winter Soldier continues to resonate with both him and the fans.