Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Thunderbolts* The latest portrayal of Bucky Barnes by Sebastian Stan in Thunderbolts* draws heavily from the source material found in the comics and sets the stage for an intriguing future for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Winter Soldier. Bucky made a cameo in Captain America: Brave New World, where he announced his run for Congress. With the release of Thunderbolts*, we learn that Bucky has officially transitioned into a congressman role but is swiftly pulled back into action when the Thunderbolts uncover Val’s plot to create a living weapon of mass destruction.

Despite stepping into the political arena, Bucky Barnes is not particularly thrilled about his congressional duties, as he primarily uses this role as a disguise to monitor Val. After the Thunderbolts thwart the Void and Val claims the glory, Bucky Barnes joins the New Avengers. Following the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts*, it is revealed that Bucky remains affiliated with the New Avengers for over a year, demonstrating his commitment, even amidst legal disputes initiated by Sam Wilson over copyright issues. Furthermore, the post-credits scene hints at significant developments for Bucky Barnes’ journey in the MCU, possibly setting the stage for his involvement in future projects like The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday.

Bucky Barnes Undergoes a Major Design Transformation in Thunderbolts*

Sebastian Stan Unveils a Stunning New Costume in Thunderbolts*’ Post-Credits Scene

In the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts*, the audience sees all the New Avengers sporting brand new costumes and hairstyles, a significant transformation that occurs fourteen months after the events of their initial movie together. John Walker replaces his mask with a beret, while Alexei Shostakov dons a racing jumpsuit. Among these changes, Bucky Barnes stands out in a striking black armored suit featuring the New Avengers logo and a prominent black star with a red outline on his right arm. This post-credits scene from Thunderbolts* marks the most significant costume evolution for Bucky since Captain America: Civil War, indicating he may continue to wear this look in Avengers: Doomsday.

Bucky Barnes’ Thunderbolts* Design Enhancement is Clearly Inspired by Marvel’s Comics

Bucky Barnes’ New Avengers Costume Draws Influence from His Time as the Revolution

In Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, Bucky Barnes infiltrates a clandestine organization known as The Outer Circle, taking on the role of the real-life assassin Gavrilo Princip, who instigated World War I by murdering Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This transformation leads him to adopt the alias of The Revolution. Bucky’s mission is to dismantle The Outer Circle from the inside, leading him to betray Steve Rogers in the process. Eventually, he returns to his heroic roots and assembles a new Thunderbolts team that includes fresh members such as Red Guardian and Yelena Belova, all while maintaining his Revolution title and costume.

Bucky Barnes’ Revolution appearance features a sleek black armored vest, black pants, and boots, complemented by a black coat emblazoned with a large black star outlined in red. His Revolution makeover introduces a new hairstyle, opting for a bun that contrasts with his previous cut. Additionally, he upgrades his traditional metal arm to a streamlined prosthetic. After successfully defeating the Outer Circle, Bucky retains his costume but reverts to his flowing hair and domino mask, marking a return to his classic style.

The Promising Implications of Bucky Barnes’ New Design for His MCU Journey

Bucky Barnes’ MCU Narrative May Finally Embark on a Fresh Direction

The post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* confirms that Bucky Barnes has moved on from his role as a Congressman and has returned to the fray as a superhero. While Bucky’s new costume, inspired by his Revolution persona, may serve as only a nod to the comics, it could also signal a deeper narrative arc that explores Bucky’s infiltration of a secret organization. This potential story may take place during the fourteen-month gap between the conclusion of Thunderbolts* and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. In this scenario, Bucky could have either single-handedly taken down a clandestine group or worked alongside the New Avengers, leading to his new and striking costume.

Having proven his innocence, dismantled his Winter Soldier programming, and joined the Avengers, Bucky Barnes found himself at a crossroads. He assisted Sam Wilson in reclaiming the Captain America title in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and contributed to the Thunderbolts’ victory over the Void in Thunderbolts*. However, Bucky has not been prominently featured in the MCU since Captain America: Civil War. If Bucky’s Revolution narrative extends beyond a mere Thunderbolts* reference, it could herald a new chapter in the evolution of Sebastian Stan’s Bucky, both as a standalone character and as a key member of the New Avengers.

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