Sebastian Stan Reflects on His Marvel Journey: More Than Just the Winter Soldier

Sebastian Stan recently opened up about his extensive Marvel career, sharing how playing Bucky Barnes shaped him while emphasizing his ambition to explore diverse roles beyond the MCU.

TL;DR

• Sebastian Stan views his 14-year MCU tenure as "step one," expressing gratitude for personal and professional growth gained.
• The actor, now 43, aims to tackle diverse roles, drawing critical acclaim for films like The Apprentice and A Different Man.
• His future with Marvel beyond Avengers: Doomsday (releasing December 2026) is uncertain, with Secret Wars (slated for December 2027) potentially marking a major MCU shift.

Imagine being known for one thing, one iconic role that defines a significant chunk of your professional life. For many actors, that’s a dream come true; for others, it's a launchpad to something bigger. Sebastian Stan, the face behind the beloved Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently shared his perspective on this very dynamic.

He's been a staple in the MCU since 2011, and while he cherishes his time with the superhero giant, he’s making it clear that his journey in Hollywood is far from over. Stan's recent comments reveal an actor keenly aware of his past achievements, yet fiercely focused on carving out an expansive, varied future.

A Decade-Long Evolution as the Winter Soldier and Beyond

Sebastian Stan first stepped into the MCU as Bucky Barnes in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger. Over the next 14 years, he evolved from Captain America's best friend to a brainwashed assassin and finally, a hero finding his own path. His character journey spanned the entire Captain America trilogy, major Avengers events like Infinity War and Endgame, and even included cameos in Black Panther and Captain America: Brave New World.

The impact of this long-standing role on Stan himself is profound. During a recent appearance on the Stronger Podcast, the 43-year-old actor didn't hold back, detailing how working within the Marvel machine provided invaluable life lessons. "The Marvel stuff, I'll always, till the end of time, [feel it] really helped me grow as a person and helped me grow as an actor," Stan stated. Source: [ScreenRant, "Sebastian Stan Gets Candid About His MCU Future After Thunderbolts", November 4, 2025].

"And I've never favored one role over another. The Marvel stuff, I'll always, till the end of time, [feel it] really helped me grow as a person and helped me grow as an actor and it taught me relationships... It was a business. It was a family and it gave me a sense of belonging, and it's always there for that, but it was only the step one for me."

— Sebastian Stan, Stronger Podcast (as reported by Variety, November 4, 2025)

He fondly recalled working alongside veteran stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson, acknowledging them as people he "looked up to." For Stan, the MCU wasn't just a job; it was a foundational experience. Yet, despite this deep connection, he views it as merely "step one" in his overall acting career.

Embracing Diverse and Challenging Roles Outside the Superhero Saga

This "step one" mentality isn't just talk. Stan has been actively diversifying his portfolio, taking on roles that are a stark contrast to the shield-wielding Winter Soldier. The year 2025 has been particularly significant for him, bringing critical acclaim and award recognition that highlight his dramatic range.

He earned a Golden Globe for his leading performance in A Different Man, where he played Edward Lemuel, a socially awkward actor with facial disfigurement. Critics praised his nuanced portrayal in the dark comedy. Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, "Sebastian Stan is Glad His Career Has Unfolded the Way It Has", November 4, 2025]. Even more notably, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his captivating, albeit controversial, depiction of Donald Trump in the 2024 drama film, The Apprentice.

Taking on the role of a former President was a risk many advised against. Stan revealed that he had people telling him not to do it, citing concerns about alienation, physical resemblance, and perceived danger. However, for Stan, "acting is about going toward the uncomfortable… about trying to understand humanity, even in the darkest places." This artistic conviction demonstrates his commitment to growth over comfort.

Admiring the Next Generation While Charting His Unique Course

It's not just about his own evolution; Stan also openly admires the path of younger actors. He specifically mentioned Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler, noting their impressive achievements at an earlier stage in their careers. "I look at these young guys, like Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler — they're doing stuff that I don't think I could have done at their age," he confessed. Source: [India Today, "Sebastian Stan: Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler doing roles I couldn't at their age", November 5, 2025].

Stan attributes part of his own later bloom to his unique background. Born in Constanța, Romania, he spent a significant portion of his youth adapting to American culture and finding his footing in the industry. "There was a significant part of my youth that I had to spend to get Americanized or to fit in and really find my way in a different way," he explained.

This journey, he believes, has shaped his perspective, making him appreciate the opportunities coming his way now, in his 40s. It’s a compelling tradeoff: perhaps a slower start, but one that has allowed for profound personal and artistic maturation.

Navigating the Future: MCU's Shifting Sands and Creative Freedom

While Stan's focus is clearly on expanding his repertoire, Bucky Barnes still has some unfinished business. He was part of the Thunderbolts movie cast and is confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, a Phase 6 installment for which principal photography wrapped on September 19, 2025. This highly anticipated film is slated for release on December 18, 2026.

However, the future beyond Doomsday remains a tantalizing question mark. The Phase 6 finale, Avengers: Secret Wars, has yet to begin shooting, and it's widely speculated to bring a massive reset to the MCU. This could mean 2027, the projected release year for Secret Wars (December 17, 2027), might be the last time many long-standing actors, including Stan, portray their iconic characters.

For example, imagine a seasoned chef who, after years of perfecting one signature dish at a renowned restaurant, decides to open their own place. They're grateful for the foundation, the training, and the exposure that the restaurant provided, but now they crave the freedom to experiment with new ingredients, techniques, and cuisines that wouldn't fit the old menu. That's a bit like Stan's current artistic journey – honoring his past while actively building a new, diverse future.

There's a subtle limitation in being part of such a massive, interconnected franchise. While it offers incredible visibility, the limited scope of a character like Bucky, often tied into larger narratives, doesn't always allow an actor to fully stretch their creative muscles. This is a common challenge, where actors risk being typecast into their iconic roles, much like RJ Mitte from Breaking Bad often discusses.

Another counterpoint often brought up regarding actors who've had long runs in comic book roles is the potential for diminishing returns, especially with recent box office performances. While Thunderbolts was reportedly well-received by critics and audiences, its box office numbers "came short," according to some reports. However, Stan's individual performances in that film, and critically, in his independent projects, consistently garner praise, suggesting his talent transcends any single franchise's commercial ebb and flow.

The Road Ahead: What This Means for Sebastian Stan Fans

Sebastian Stan's reflective comments signal an exciting new chapter for the actor. While he remains grateful for his Marvel journey, his ambition to "offer something different" means fans can look forward to seeing him push his boundaries even further in a variety of roles.

Here are some practical takeaways:

• Enjoy His Final MCU Appearances: Make sure to catch him in Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026) and potentially Secret Wars (December 17, 2027).
• Seek Out His Diverse Work: Explore his critically acclaimed performances in films like A Different Man, The Apprentice, I, Tonya, and Pam & Tommy to see his impressive range.
• Anticipate New Artistic Ventures: Stan’s proactive pursuit of challenging roles suggests a future filled with unexpected and captivating projects.
• Support Creative Evolution: Recognizing an actor's desire to grow helps foster a more dynamic and interesting film landscape for everyone.

Sebastian Stan isn't just moving on; he's moving forward, carrying the lessons and relationships from his Marvel family into a career dedicated to constant artistic exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sebastian Stan's Future

Is Sebastian Stan leaving the MCU for good? Stan is confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026). His involvement in Avengers: Secret Wars (December 17, 2027), which is expected to reset the MCU, is currently unconfirmed. He has expressed his Marvel journey as "step one" in his career, indicating a desire for diverse roles. What other movies has Sebastian Stan been in recently? Recently, Sebastian Stan has received significant acclaim for A Different Man (earning him a Golden Globe) and The Apprentice (earning him an Academy Award nomination). He also had notable roles in I, Tonya and Pam & Tommy. When is Avengers: Doomsday coming out? Avengers: Doomsday, featuring Sebastian Stan, is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. What is Avengers: Secret Wars? Avengers: Secret Wars is the planned finale for the MCU's Phase 6, currently slated for release on December 17, 2027. It is widely anticipated to involve a significant "reset" of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sources

• ScreenRant: "Sebastian Stan Gets Candid About His MCU Future After Thunderbolts", November 4, 2025.
• Variety: "Sebastian Stan Says Marvel ‘Helped Me Grow as an Actor’ But Was Only ‘Step One’ in His Career...", November 4, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter: "Sebastian Stan is Glad His Career Has Unfolded the Way It Has", November 4, 2025.
• India Today: "Sebastian Stan: Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler doing roles I couldn't at their age", November 5, 2025.
• FandomWire: "Sebastian Stan Will Benefit From Stepping Away From the MCU After Secret Wars", November 5, 2025.
• Geo News: "Sebastian Stan makes emotional remarks about Marvel's family", November 5, 2025.
• UNN: "Avengers star Sebastian Stan says Marvel Cinematic Universe shaped him as an actor", November 5, 2025.
• ComicBook.com: "Sebastian Stan ‘Amazed’ by Young Stars Timothée Chalamet & Austin Butler", November 5, 2025.