Ever since his first appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, has become one of the favorite MCU characters among fans. He has been part of the cinematic world since the 2011 film and is also set to reprise his role in the upcoming Marvel movie Thunderbolts. While his fans eagerly await his return to the franchise, new rumors have alleged that it could also be the last time they would see Stan’s Winter Soldier on-screen.

Sebastian Stan is Allegedly Leaving MCU After Thunderbolts

Marvel Studios has a number of projects lined up for phase 5 and phase 6, which also includes the Anthony Mackie starrer Captain America 4 and Thunderbolts. Considering the anticipation surrounding the MCU projects, there is also no lack of rumors suggesting several aspects of a film or show.
Marvel’s Thunderbolts
Recent rumors have suggested that the studio is planning to end Sebastian Stan‘s MCU journey as Winter Soldier in the upcoming film Thunderbolts. According to Cosmic Book, several Twitter scoopers have made the claim, stating that the character will be killed by The Sentry in the upcoming movie.

The Sentry is also expected to join the cast of Thunderbolts, and Steven Yeun is allegedly looked up for the role. The report states that the Winter Soldier will become a victim of The Sentry’s evil alter ego, the Void, that will end his journey. However, nothing has been confirmed regarding his last MCU appearance yet.
Bucky Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier

Is Bucky Barnes the Next MCU Hero in Line For a Major Exit?

The 2019 film Avengers: Endgame featured the last appearances of some of the major MCU characters, including Black Widow, Iron Man, and Captain America. And before saying his goodbye, Chris Evans‘ Captain America gave his shield and title to Anthony Mackie’s Sam.
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier in the MCU
Fans had a mixed reaction to Sam getting the shield as many expected Bucky to be the next Captain America. It even led to rumors that the studio might have plans to kill off Sebastian Stan’s character in his follow-up feature after Endgame. Rumors claimed that the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier would feature the demise of a major MCU character, believing it to be Stan’s Winter Soldier.

While the rumors have suggested something similar again regarding his next MCU project, it doesn’t seem tangible, considering he is expected to join the cast of the upcoming Avengers movies as well. Nothing can be said as the studio tends to surprise fans, who could only wait to see what they have in store for them.

Captain America: Brave New World is set to release on 26 July 2024.

Thunderbolts is expected to release on 20 December 2024.