Bucky has been through some monumental changes since his debut in 2011’sCaptain America: The First Avenger.

Bucky’s experience alongside Captain America inThe First Avengerwill make him the perfect Thunderbolts leader in 2025.

Bucky Barnes, a.k.a.

Thunderbolts (2025) Official Poster

Ghost’s return inThunderbolts*has spurred speculation that Laurence Fishburne could join her as Bill Foster.

This would have killed Janet, but Ava Starr thought this to be a necessary sacrifice to save herself.

Scarlet Johansson is returning to Marvel as an executive producer inThunderbolts*.

Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, Yelena Belova, Bucky, US Agent and Bob In Front of the Thunderbolts Poster

Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic

Walker was at first the new Captain America, but later evolved into the US Agent.

The reunion between Romanoff, Belova, Shostakov and Vostokoff inBlack Widowwas entertaining and, at times, hilarious.

Nevertheless,Black Widowis one of the most important projects viewers should catch up on beforeThunderbolts*.

bucky barnes played by sebastian stan in mcu secret invasion

This came to a head inHawkeyeepisode 4, “Partners, Am I Right?

“and the series finale, “So This Is Christmas?”

Clint Barton revealed the truth to Yelena inHawkeye, that Natasha Romanoff sacrificed herself.

Bucky Barnes in Captain America The Winter Soldier and Thunderbolts* trailer

Split image of Scarlett Johansson’s natasha Romanoff leaning against a wall in Captain America The Winter Soldier (2014) on the left, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes with the Thunderbolts in Thunderbolts (2025) on the right

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Thunderbolts

Marvel Cinematic Universe