It’s a sad day for Falcon and the Winter Soldier fans as Anthony Mackie seemingly confirms that Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes will not make an appearance in Captain America: New World Order.
In speaking with Josh Horowitz on his Happy Sad Confused podcast, Mackie —who will officially take up the mantle for Chris Evans as the new Captain America in New World Order — shot down hopes for a bromantic reunion between his character and Stan’s Bucky Barnes when he shared that Thunderbolts and New World Order film at the same time.
“I dunno,” Mackie said when asked by Horowitz if Stan will “sneak in” the movie. “We’re gonna be shooting at the same time.”
Thunderbolts will see Stan’s Bucky Barnes — aka Winter Soldier — as one of seven members of the titular anti-hero team. Formed by the MCU’s new president of the United States, Thunderbolt Ross (Harrison Ford), the team is known for executing missions typically outside the moral parameters of the Avengers. Think DC’s Suicide Squad but Marvel.
Since Thunderbolts and New World Order will film at the same time and Stan is incapable of being in two places at once, it’s safe to say he and Mackie won’t cross paths in New World Order. However, don’t lose hope.
Mackie also mentioned that there will be “a new member of the trio” – the trio being Mackie’s Sam Wilson, Stan’s Bucky Barnes, and Evan’s Steve Rogers. Above and beyond speculations about a new superhero joining the MCU, Mackie’s statement somewhat confirms that he and Stan’s brotastic chemistry will grace our screens at some point again. Meaning, you can let out that exhale you’ve been holding in.
Captain America: New World Order and Thunderbolts are scheduled for release on May 3, 2024, and July 26, 2024, respectively.
