Does Bucky appear in Captain America: Brave New World? Cameos and Thunderbolts* tease explained
Does Marvel's latest blockbuster feature surprise appearances from some beloved heroes?
Warning - this article contains major spoilers for Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America: Brave New World has hit the big screen, but are there any familiar faces popping in to see our patriotic superhero?
The newest instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe finds Sam Wilson (portrayed by Anthony Mackie) grappling with a tough decision when new president Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross (Harrison Ford) attempts to enlist him to revive the Avengers. He soon stumbles upon a sinister conspiracy within the US government and is compelled to go rogue to thwart a menacing supervillain who unleashes a horrifying monster on Washington DC.
The globally acclaimed mega-franchise is famous for delighting fans with unexpected cameos from their favourite heroes, and thankfully, Brave New World doesn't disappoint. Even though the Avengers are currently disbanded, Sam remains a team player and welcomes some motivational words from a friend in his time of need.
So, does his former rival and now best mate James Buchanan 'Bucky' Barnes (Sebastian Stan), also known as the Winter Soldier, show up?
After a battle over the remnants of the celestial Tiamut in the Indian Ocean, which is being mined for the durable metal Adamantium, Sam's new ally Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), the new Falcon, is severely injured and rushed to hospital. Failing to safeguard his partner, Sam is torn over whether he made the right decision in accepting the Captain America mantle from Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), reports the Express.
Bucky springs a surprise visit on Sam while the new Captain America is pondering over whether to take the super-soldier serum that bestowed Steve and Bucky with their extraordinary strength. However, Bucky advises against it, reminding Sam that he already commands respect as their leader without the serum, thereby bolstering his conviction as the patriotic hero.
After some motivational words, Sam jests if Bucky, now a Congress candidate, had his speechwriters assist him, to which Bucky concedes they contributed towards the end.
Sam's newfound ally Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas) enters just as Bucky's departing and can't resist admiring his good looks, prompting Sam to remind her that he's technically 110 years old. Bucky's unexpected cameo is not only set to delight fans but also serves as crucial groundwork for Marvel's upcoming blockbuster, Thunderbolts*.
Formerly recognised as the Winter Soldier, Bucky is contemplating a serious political career but will inevitably be drawn into another comic book escapade alongside Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and his former foe John Walker (Wyatt Russell). Apart from Bucky, Captain America: Brave New World doesn't feature many other surprise appearances, focusing instead on Sam's confrontations with Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) and Thaddeus Ross, who morphs into the Red Hulk.
However, after Thaddeus is de-Hulked and captured, he makes a brief comeback with his daughter, Betty. This marks Liv Tyler's first appearance as the character since The Incredible Hulk in 2008.
Captain America: Brave New World is in cinemas now.