Sebastian Stan, the actor behind Bucky Barnes, has revealed that he proposed a solo film for his character to Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige. Stan described his pitch as a "Sicario-esque" thriller, emphasizing a smaller scope and a tighter budget compared to typical MCU productions.
Speaking with New York Magazine, Stan explained that his concept centered on a Bucky Barnes who becomes obsessed with a person from his past, believing they were involved in his time as a brainwashed operative. The proposed film would follow Bucky's journey to uncover the identity of this individual. While Stan admitted to making the pitch "half-joking," Feige reportedly responded positively, finding the idea "cool."
This concept aligns with Marvel Studios' occasional willingness to explore unique, passion-driven projects outside its main narrative arcs. Ryan Gosling's successful campaign for a Ghost Rider film, which is slated for a 2028 MCU debut, serves as a recent example of such an endeavor. Whether Stan's Bucky Barnes pitch moves beyond a casual suggestion remains to be seen, but it offers a potentially fresh direction for a character who has largely operated in a supporting capacity for over a decade.
Stan is slated to reprise his role as Bucky Barnes in Avengers: Doomsday later this year and may also appear in Secret Wars. The character's future in the MCU is uncertain, as his fate in these upcoming ensemble films is unknown. However, past projects, such as the post-Endgame solo film for Black Widow, demonstrate Marvel's ability to explore character backstories through standalone movies, even after a character's perceived demise.
In addition to his MCU commitments, Stan is currently filming The Batman Part 2. While his role in that project is being kept under wraps, rumors suggest he is portraying Harvey Dent, also known as Two-Face. The actor's current bald appearance has led to some speculation, but it is possible he could utilize a wig before a potential transformation into the character's disfigured alter ego.