Even though Avengers: Infinity War was by the far the bloodthirstiest Marvel movie of the lot, wiping out many of the franchise’s most popular heroes, we imagine next year’s Avengers 4 will take out even more. In fact, one person we’ve been expecting to bow out of the MCU after this movie is Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers, as the actor has teased his exit for a long time now.
If that does come to pass, then the Captain America mantle could well be given to one of his best pals – Bucky Barnes, as in the comics. It’s something that’s long been teased by actor Sebastian Stan himself and also something that countless fans would love to see happen, but what most people don’t realize is that Stan originally had his eye on the role of Steve Rogers way back when, but failed to make the cut as he wasn’t right for the part.
He revealed this while chatting with CNBC, and also explained that everything ultimately worked out in the end as he feels that Bucky is a “much better role” for him. That being said, it was certainly a bit of a setback for the actor at the time, but as he told the outlet, you need to learn how to deal with rejection.
“Try not to take things personally, learn how to face rejection, no matter what you do, stay obsessed with it,” he said.
Though Stan is set to return as the former Winter Soldier in Avengers 4 and beyond, that doesn’t mean he one day won’t pick up the shield and assume the mantle of Captain America. As we mentioned before, it happened in the comics and the actor has even discussed what his take on the character would be like, saying:
“I mean look, it would have to be a very different “Captain America,” like it just wouldn’t be the same. In the comic books it was always interesting because it was an emotional turmoil – there was a guilt there that was driving that character. Because of Steve’s absence it sort of felt like the guy [Bucky] had to once again carry on this vision that his best friend had for years, and what he stood for.”
Continuing on, he said:
And that struggle – you have that coming into conflict with some who’s still grappling with their own past, and what’s the right thing to do now. And you have a character who’s always searched for identity, and he finally gets an identity, only to have lose his identity again to another “idea,” then it makes for a very complex take on it. So if they were to ever explore that, it would be a very different – definitely way darker – take on that situation.”
Tell us, do you think there’s a chance that Bucky could become the MCU’s next Captain America? And is that even something you’d want to see? Make yourself heard down below!