Bucky Barnes' new Phase 5 role as the leader in Thunderbolts can help the Marvel Cinematic Universe complete his redemption arc. Although he ed the MCU as Captain America's best friend, his time as Hydra's super-soldier assassin The Winter Soldier forever changed his legacy. The countless people Bucky killed as Winter Soldier defined a huge part of his life and continued to haunt him in Phase 4, as evident in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Much of his actions in recent years have been tied to making amends for what he did in the past in an attempt to fully redeem himself publicly and in his own eyes.
Instead of Bucky's redemption arc bringing him to become the MCU's Captain America or even the Avengers, his future is confirmed to lie with the Thunderbolts. He was officially announced as part of the group when the Thunderbolts movie was confirmed by Kevin Feige at San Diego Comic-Con 2022. However, the Marvel Studios president has since provided more information on his involvement with the team. Bucky has been described as the "de facto leader" of the Thunderbolts, and this new MCU Phase 5 role should connect perfectly to the redemption arc he has been on.
Bucky Being Thunderbolts' Leader Is His Last Step To Full Redemption
The MCU Thunderbolts lineup that Bucky is part of is filled with people who need some level of redemption. He will be ed by former Russian assassin Yelena Belova, former Russian super-soldier Red Guardian, the ultra-violent one-time Captain America now known as U.S. Agent, former Red Room assassin Taskmaster, and SHIELD's secret assassin Ghost. The kill list associated with this group of individuals is even greater when Bucky is brought into the picture. Thunderbolts will bring these anti-heroes together as they seemingly attempt to finally do some good, which is why Bucky leading the team is so important.
Instead of Bucky's MCU Phase 5 role just focusing on his redemption, leading the Thunderbolts means that he can help others heal. Audiences saw how Bucky went through his list of people he harmed as Winter Soldier and wanted to do something to make up for his past sins against them. This is part of his process to heal and forgive himself for the horrible things he's done. Bucky leading the Thunderbolts could have been an opportunity to do that on a larger scale. Bucky's redemption can expand to being a leader who helps other anti-heroes become redeemed for their pasts and make that an equal part of his journey.
Will Bucky Have An MCU Future Beyond Thunderbolts?
Bucky's redemption connecting to his role as the leader of the Thunderbolts sets up a unique MCU future for Sebastian Stan's character. Thunderbolts could really make a point to show how different Bucky is compared to when he was Winter Soldier. If he does help other Thunderbolts become redeemed, Marvel could kill the character and end his arc after proving the extent of his redemption. However, the MCU Phase 5 role for Bucky could also position him as the leader of the Thunderbolts franchise for years to come as he helps even more Marvel villains turn their lives around.
There is plenty more for Marvel to do with Bucky as a character after Thunderbolts if Sebastian Stan remains interested in reprising the role. He could factor into future stories with Wakanda, continue to aid Sam Wilson as he becomes Captain America, or even take on the mantle at one point if his redemption truly happens in the public eye. Since Stan is one of the longest-tenured MCU actors, Thunderbolts completing Bucky's redemption would go a long way in helping wrap up his story.
