In Thunderbolts, Sebastian Stan, reprising his role as Bucky Barnes, takes inspiration from Clint Eastwood’s iconic gunslinger, William Munny, from Unforgiven.
Stan explained that he approached the character with a more seasoned, cynical vibe, drawing from Eastwood’s portrayal of an older, worn-out figure with a dry sense of humor. For Stan, Bucky has matured, and the intense emotional struggles of the past are starting to subside.
Stan has been playing Bucky Barnes since Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), and in Thunderbolts, the character’s evolution takes center stage. He describes Bucky as someone who has always been caught between heroism and villainy, never quite sure of where he stands. In the new movie, Bucky finds himself among a team of former villains, like Red Guardian (David Harbour), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell), all grappling with similar moral ambiguities. It’s this dynamic that Stan finds interesting, as the team wrestles with their identities, blurring the lines between heroes and anti-heroes.
The Thunderbolts movie is all about misfits coming together, and Stan compares it to The Breakfast Club, where a diverse group of characters must figure out how to work together despite their differences. He hints that the film will be singular, unlike any other Marvel group. Stan’s portrayal of Bucky, alongside his new team, is bound to captivate fans who have followed the character’s journey since his early days in the MCU.
Director Jake Schreier, known for his work on Robot & Frank, was inspired by the emotional dynamics in Toy Story 3 when making Thunderbolts. He explained that it’s not just about superheroes but about characters who are thrown together and forced to rely on each other in dire circumstances. The emotional stakes, much like the scene in Toy Story 3 where the characters face their perceived fate in the furnace, will surely make Thunderbolts a standout Marvel film.
As Thunderbolts hits theaters, fans are eagerly anticipating how Bucky’s character will continue to evolve, especially with the influence of Clint Eastwood’s unforgettable performance in Unforgiven. Stan’s approach to Bucky is sure to add depth and complexity, making this film a must-watch for MCU fans.
- Jenna Ortega Is Ready to Direct Her Own Movie! - May 1, 2025
- Sebastian Stan Calls Thunderbolts the Most Human Marvel Team Yet - May 1, 2025
- Chrissy Metz Reveals What Truly Fuels Her Confidence - May 1, 2025
