James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, has cemented his place as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) most enduring characters. With his upcoming role in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on May 1, 2026, Bucky will mark his 11th live-action appearance in the MCU, a testament to his staying power. Even more impressively, this role will make him one of the few characters to appear in all six phases of the MCU, spanning from 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger to the Multiverse Saga’s climactic chapters. As fans eagerly await his next chapter, Bucky’s journey—from a World War II soldier to the brainwashed Winter Soldier, and now a redeemed hero leading the Thunderbolts—offers a compelling narrative arc that reflects the MCU’s evolving landscape.
Bucky’s MCU Journey: A Timeline of Resilience
Bucky Barnes first appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), introduced as Steve Rogers’ childhood best friend and a loyal sergeant in the 107th Infantry Regiment. His early days showcased a charismatic, protective figure who stood by Steve through thick and thin, from Brooklyn’s back alleys to the battlefields of World War II. However, his presumed death after falling from a train in the Alps set the stage for a darker chapter. Captured by Hydra, Bucky was transformed into the Winter Soldier, a brainwashed assassin with a bionic arm, responsible for covert operations across decades.
His return in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) revealed the extent of Hydra’s control, pitting him against Steve in a heart-wrenching clash. The film’s exploration of his struggle against his programming marked a turning point, highlighting his depth as a character torn between his past and present. Bucky’s journey continued through Captain America: Civil War (2016), where his role as a catalyst for the Avengers’ fracture underscored his importance to the MCU’s narrative. His brief appearance in Ant-Man (2015) in a post-credits scene tied directly into Civil War, showing his ongoing struggle for freedom.
In Black Panther (2018), a post-credits scene revealed Bucky’s healing process in Wakanda, where Shuri helped him overcome Hydra’s brainwashing, earning him the name “White Wolf.” He joined the fight against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), only to fall victim to the Blip, and returned for the final battle in Avengers: Endgame (2019), witnessing Steve’s retirement. The Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) saw Bucky teaming up with Sam Wilson to confront the Flag Smashers, focusing on his quest for redemption and making amends for his past as the Winter Soldier.
Bucky’s 10th live-action appearance came in Captain America: Brave New World, released earlier in 2025, where he continued to navigate his role as a hero in a post-Steve Rogers world. His involvement in Thunderbolts (2025), where he takes on a leadership role among a team of antiheroes, further solidified his evolution. Now, with Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, Bucky’s 11th appearance promises to elevate his status as a key player in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga.
A Rare Feat: Appearing in All Six Phases
Bucky’s presence across all six phases of the MCU is a rare achievement, shared by only a few characters. Phase 1 began with Captain America: The First Avenger, where Bucky’s story started. Phase 2 saw his return as the Winter Soldier in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and his brief Ant-Man cameo. Phase 3 included Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, showcasing his gradual redemption. Phase 4 brought The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, delving into his emotional healing. Phase 5 featured Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts, cementing his leadership role. Finally, Phase 6 will see him in Avengers: Doomsday, confirming his streak across the MCU’s entire timeline.
This consistency places Bucky alongside Tom Hiddleston’s Loki as one of the only two confirmed characters to appear in live-action projects in every phase, a record celebrated by fans and highlighted in posts on X. Unlike Loki, whose journey involves multiversal variants, Bucky’s appearances are rooted in the “sacred timeline,” making his arc a grounded throughline in the MCU’s expansive narrative. Other characters like Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan and Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes have come close, but Bucky’s continuous evolution as a central figure sets him apart.
What to Expect in Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, will feature an ensemble cast, including the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, Wakandans, and the “original” X-Men, uniting against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. Bucky, as the de facto leader of the Thunderbolts, is expected to play a significant role. The film’s cast list, announced in March 2025, confirmed Sebastian Stan’s return alongside stars like Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), and Vanessa Kirby (Invisible Woman). The inclusion of Thunderbolts members like Yelena Belova and Red Guardian suggests Bucky will lead his team into the larger conflict, potentially bridging his antihero squad with the Avengers.
Rumors on X hint at a substantial role for Bucky, with some fans speculating he’ll have over 20 minutes of screen time, including moments of camaraderie with Sam Wilson. While these claims remain unverified, the Russo Brothers have confirmed Bucky’s prominence, citing his leadership of the Thunderbolts as a key factor. Additionally, Chris Evans’ return as Steve Rogers opens the door for a reunion with Bucky, potentially addressing the emotional gap left by Steve’s retirement in Avengers: Endgame. Fans have long felt that Steve’s decision to stay in the past neglected Bucky’s healing journey, and Avengers: Doomsday could offer closure by showcasing their bond in a new light.
Bucky’s Evolution: From Sidekick to Leader
Bucky’s journey reflects the MCU’s broader themes of redemption and resilience. Initially a loyal sidekick, his transformation into the Winter Soldier introduced a tragic complexity, making him one of the franchise’s most dynamic characters. His struggle to reclaim his identity, supported by Steve and later Sam, resonates with audiences, as does his determination to atone for his past. By Phase 5, Bucky had evolved into a leader, guiding the Thunderbolts with a mix of experience and empathy—a far cry from the brainwashed assassin of Phase 2.
This evolution mirrors the MCU’s shift from the Infinity Saga to the Multiverse Saga, where characters like Bucky take on more prominent roles. His presence in Avengers: Doomsday not only marks a personal milestone but also underscores his importance to the MCU’s future. As one of the oldest living mortals in the MCU, thanks to the Super Soldier Serum, Bucky’s longevity offers a unique perspective, bridging the franchise’s past and present.
A Legacy That Endures
Bucky Barnes’ 11th live-action appearance in Avengers: Doomsday is a milestone that celebrates his enduring legacy in the MCU. As one of the few characters to span all six phases, his journey from a World War II soldier to a redeemed hero leading the Thunderbolts is a testament to Sebastian Stan’s compelling performance and the character’s narrative depth. With Avengers: Doomsday set to unite the MCU’s heaviest hitters against Doctor Doom, Bucky’s role promises to be a defining moment in his arc, potentially setting the stage for even greater contributions in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). For fans who’ve followed his story since 2011, Bucky’s continued presence is a reminder of the MCU’s ability to craft lasting, evolving heroes who resonate across generations.
