Marvel Studios is known for keeping fans on their toes, and they’ve skillfully done the same with the upcoming Thunderbolts* movies. The addition of an asterisk to the title and its star-studded cast has made fans buzz with anticipation.
Recent pictures from the movie have sparked wild speculations about Sebastian Stan’s role. His surprising new image as Bucky Barnes has led to some creative theories because he has appeared in quite a few distinctive looks since the filming. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to evolve, Thunderbolts* could be a game changer.
The Winter Soldier’s Mysterious New Look
The release of new set photos in May where Sebastian Stan was seen in a traditional suit and a goatee was far from his previous appearances in MCU. Fans were dissecting and gasping in unison due to the characters’ departure from tactical gear and long hair which was the hallmark of Winter Soldier’s look.
Instead, Barnes represented a more tamed and corporate operative than a battle-hardened super soldier and the sudden change led fans to believe that he might be on an undercover mission. Perhaps it is the Thunderbolts*’ strategy to do things more discreetly than the Avengers.
However, this is not the first time when Barnes has adopted a new persona but the drastic change in appearance has led people to believe that a more significant transformation and character arc might be in the cards.
Some fans think the shift symbolizes the beginning of the end for Bucky Barnes, which raises concerns among them about his future in the franchise. On the contrary, some remain optimistic with the undercover mission plot line, which adds a layer of intrigue to the film.
The recently surfaced still features Barnes in what seems to be a black bomber jacket, and his hair is slightly shorter than usual with middle-parting and bangs. A user expressed their thoughts about his looks in the comments of a post on the Marvel Studios subreddit.
“I really wish the short hair stuck around with Bucky, felt like him getting a haircut was a good way to show that The Winter Soldier is gone and Bucky Barnes lives again.”
u/That-Rhino-Guy
Others in the thread also echoed these thoughts, favoring his shorter hair. Regardless of the look, it seems like Barnes’ role will be crucial for navigating the moral complexities that could arise within a group of anti-heroes.
The Mystery Around Thunderbolts*
The film ensembles a mix of flawed protagonists and reformed villains, including Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Red Guardian, and Wyatt Russel as U.S. Agent. Other notable stars have also joined the cast so Sebastian Stan is not the only big name returning to the MCU.
The production has been shrouded in secrecy and everyone from the studios has remained tight-lipped about the plot. Even the mysterious asterisk has remained unexplained alongside many other details.
Fans can expect more surprises and twists because the film’s release is slated for May 2, 2025, and until then, all eyes will be on Sebastian Stan and the rest of the Thunderbolts*’ cast as they will sail into uncharted territories.
In the meantime, Marvel enthusiasts can participate in more forums and threads to discuss the significance of Bucky Barnes’ look and the asterisk in the title. Whether or not the theories are correct, the hype around the movie is unreal, and fans are positive about the MCU’s next phase being an unpredictable and thrilling ride.
