Why I’m Grateful Marvel Revealed Bucky Barnes’ Survival in Thunderbolts (Despite Possible Death Rumors)

Marvel Studios appears to have let slip some major details about Thunderbolts* by suggesting that Bucky Barnes will survive the dire confrontation against the Void. While this revelation may seem like a spoiler, many fans are relieved. Bucky, originally introduced as Captain America’s sidekick, has evolved into one of the most beloved characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). His leadership role in forming a new team due on May 2 adds another layer of excitement, although the use of an asterisk in the movie title implies a twist regarding the team’s name.

The future of the Thunderbolts faced significant uncertainty at one stage due to the formidable threat posed by the Void, a character whose powers rival that of a deity. Such a confrontation is not just daunting; it’s a challenge even for the Avengers at their peak. As Yelena Belova succinctly notes in one of the trailers, the Thunderbolts merely “punch and shoot.”This sets the stage for an epic showdown reminiscent of the classic David versus Goliath tale, which marks a significant narrative venture for the MCU. Nevertheless, Marvel’s recent hints might indicate that the majority of the Thunderbolts team could emerge unscathed.

Sebastian Stan’s Return in Avengers: Doomsday

Sebastian Stan: Fourth Cast Member Announced for Avengers: Doomsday

In an exciting development, Sebastian Stan was confirmed as one of the 27 cast members featured in Marvel’s surprise livestream announcing the commencement of Avengers: Doomsday production. This extensive five-and-a-half-hour broadcast became a hot topic online as names were revealed, culminating in some shocks including Ian McKellen and Alan Cumming. Notably, Stan’s name was among the earlier announcements, following high-profile characters played by Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, and Anthony Mackie.

Subsequent names revealed included fellow Thunderbolts cast members Wyatt Russell (John Walker), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Lewis Pullman (Bob/Sentry), David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov), and Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr). While it is widely believed each actor will portray their well-known Marvel characters, the livestream stopped short of confirming their identities, leaving speculation afloat. Should these assumptions hold true, it appears Marvel may have inadvertently spoiled elements of Thunderbolts*.

Marvel May Have Revealed That Bucky Survives Thunderbolts*

Bucky Barnes’ Survival Implications for Avengers: Doomsday

Leading up to the Thunderbolts film, there was growing concern about the group’s survival. The stark power imbalance between them and the Void left many questioning their prospects. Reference to an earlier draft of the Thunderbolts script suggested that the team could meet their demise, according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter. Despite the script changes, there is compelling evidence that at least one member—Taskmaster—might not make it, made even clearer by Olga Kurylenko’s absence from the Avengers: Doomsday cast.

Interestingly, the presence of Lewis Pullman, likely playing the Void, on the Avengers: Doomsday roster hints that even the film’s primary antagonist may survive. This raises the potential that Bucky and the rest of the Thunderbolts will live on to feature in Avengers: Doomsday. If Marvel has indeed spoiled the fate of the Thunderbolts in light of the upcoming film announcement, I personally welcome the idea of Bucky’s continued presence in the MCU. That said, it’s also possible that Marvel is pulling a double-bluff here.

Speculation on Character Variants in Doomsday

The Possibility of Variant Characters

Marvel Studios might be employing a smart strategy by announcing the return of the Thunderbolts cast members before the film’s release. While the initial interpretation suggests that characters like Sebastian Stan will reprise their roles, it is equally plausible that they could portray variants or entirely different characters. This speculation is particularly relevant given the surprise element associated with villains like Robert Downey Jr.’s character. By leading the audience to believe the Thunderbolts will survive, Marvel has cleverly preserved the narrative shock of any potential character deaths.

With Avengers: Doomsday set to feature numerous characters across multiple realities, the possibility of the Thunderbolts appearing as variants of their MCU counterparts is more compelling than ever. This narrative flexibility could provide exciting twists in character development and story arcs.

Moreover, given that Marvel Studios, alongside Robert Downey Jr., is hinting at future cast reveals for Avengers: Doomsday, it would have made more strategic sense to keep the Thunderbolts casting under wraps. Doing so would have allowed for a more impactful reveal, intensifying the gravity of their potential fates in Thunderbolts*.

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