Bucky Barnes And His Return To Winter Soldier Roots In The New Thunderbolts Trailer

The new Thunderbolts trailer has given fans a major throwback to Bucky Barnes’ darker past as the Winter Soldier. Marvel Studios seems to acknowledge that there were some genuinely thrilling parts of Bucky’s tragic backstory, and they’re bringing them back for the upcoming Thunderbolts movie. As we’ve seen in previous Captain America films, Bucky Barnes (played by Sebastian Stan) was thought to have died during WWII. However, he was captured and brainwashed by Hydra, becoming their assassin known as the Winter Soldier. Even though Bucky has since freed himself from their control, the Thunderbolts trailer teases that Bucky may be tapping into his past for this new chapter.

Bucky Barnes Uses Winter Soldier Weapon in Thunderbolts

The most notable detail from the Thunderbolts trailer is Bucky using a weapon that hasn’t been seen since Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 2014. Specifically, Bucky uses a disc grenade launcher, a weapon he had employed during Hydra’s attack on SHIELD Director Nick Fury in The Winter Soldier. As I watched the trailer, I couldn’t help but feel excited to see the return of one of the coolest weapons Bucky ever used while under Hydra’s control. It’s a reminder of how deadly Bucky was, and it hints that there’s something deeper going on in his journey.

Bucky Barnes and His Return to Winter Soldier Roots in the New Thunderbolts Trailer 3 Bucky Barnes and His Return to Winter Soldier Roots in the New Thunderbolts Trailer

Bucky Barnes and His Return to Winter Soldier Roots in the New Thunderbolts Trailer 2 Bucky Barnes and His Return to Winter Soldier Roots in the New Thunderbolts Trailer

A Call Back to Bucky’s Darker Past

In The Winter Soldier, Bucky’s disc grenade attachment was part of an FN SCAR rifle. The grenade featured four magnetic plates designed to stick to a vehicle and detonate. In that film, Bucky used this to destroy Nick Fury’s armored car, and the trailer suggests he’s dusted it off for Thunderbolts. As a fan, I couldn’t help but wonder what this means for Bucky’s character arc in the new movie.

Is Bucky backsliding into his darker Winter Soldier ways? Or is this just a cool Easter egg for fans who remember his past with Hydra? Either way, it looks like Bucky will be taking on the likes of Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), John Walker’s U.S.Agent (Wyatt Russell), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko).

What Bucky’s Weapon Choice Means for His Story

The use of Bucky’s old weapon could signal a deeper theme in Thunderbolts about mental illness and redemption. As we know from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Bucky has been working to overcome the trauma and guilt from his time as the Winter Soldier. But could his use of this iconic weapon hint at an internal struggle? The longer hairstyle in the trailer further evokes his Hydra days, raising questions about whether Bucky is being forced to relive his past.

Marvel Studios has been open about how Thunderbolts will explore mental health, which makes me think that Bucky might be struggling with his demons once again. “The new Thunderbolts trailer could be teasing that Bucky may have started backsliding on his journey,” as some fans have speculated. Whether it’s Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) pulling the strings or a new force at play, Bucky’s story is set to be one of the most intriguing parts of the movie.

The Weapon’s Return: A Sign of Bigger Things to Come?

When I first saw the disc grenade in The Winter Soldier, it was one of Bucky’s most impressive weapons. Now, in Thunderbolts, it looks like Bucky will be using it again to stop a limo carrying some of his new targets. If the trailer is anything to go by, Bucky’s aim and precision with the weapon haven’t dulled over the years. I’m really excited to see how this plays out in the full movie.

However, Bucky’s use of the grenade raises a larger question: Who is he working for? Could this be part of a mission orchestrated by Valentina, or is Bucky working for someone else entirely? The trailer leaves us with more questions than answers, but one thing is for sure — Bucky’s involvement with the Thunderbolts will be central to the plot.

Upcoming Marvel Movies to Look Forward To

In addition to Thunderbolts, there are plenty of other exciting Marvel projects on the horizon. From Captain America: Brave New World to Blade and Deadpool 3, the MCU Phase 5 and 6 lists are stacked with highly anticipated releases. I’m particularly excited to see how the events of Thunderbolts tie into the broader MCU and what it means for Bucky’s future. You can check out the full lineup of upcoming Marvel movies in this MCU Phase 5 guide or see the complete Phase 6 list here.

What to Expect from Thunderbolts

In conclusion, the Thunderbolts trailer offers a lot to be excited about, especially for fans of Bucky Barnes. The return of his Winter Soldier weapon hints at deeper themes of redemption and struggle, which should make for a compelling storyline. I’m eager to see how this plays out when the movie is released in 2024. Stay tuned, as we’re sure to get more trailers and teasers in the months leading up to the film.

If you’re as excited as I am about Bucky’s return and the new Thunderbolts film, keep an eye on Marvel’s official website for the latest updates. It’s going to be one of the most thrilling chapters in the MCU yet!