The MCU needs to utilize one of its best actors more after he received two nominations for the 2025 Golden Globes. While Marvel isn't always taken seriously by the film community, many of Hollywood's most renowned actors are part of the MCU. Several actors in the MCU have won or have been nominated for major awards, including Cate Blanchett, Robert Downey Jr., Michael Douglas, Angela Bassett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Florence Pugh, Zoe Saldaña, Zendaya, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, etc. It's a stacked roster of award-winning talent that Marvel uses to its advantage.
However, many MCU actors fly under the radar. They are mostly known for their superhero roles and aren't appreciated for their lesser-known performances that show off their acting chops. One actor in this category is Sebastian Stan. Stan is mainly known for playing Bucky Barnes aka the Winter Soldier, and he'll reprise the role again in 2025's Thunderbolts*. However, Stan does have an impressive filmography and recently acquired two Golden Globe nominations, proving he is an excellent actor that Marvel needs to embrace.
Sebastian Stan Was Nominated For Two 2025 Golden Globes
Sebastian Stan delivered two award-worthy performances in 2024
Stan has been building an impressive film resume outside the MCU. A few of his highlights are his impressive supporting role in 2017's I, Tonya, and his complete villain turn in 2022's Fresh. More recently, 2024 was a stellar year for Stan's acting career with two lead performances that have been nominated for Golden Globes. One is in A Different Man as Edward, a struggling actor with neurofibromatosis who undergoes an experimental treatment that drastically changes his appearance. While he initially enjoys his new life, he realizes his appearance isn't the only thing that matters.
Stan also starred in The Apprentice, a film and performance that are stirring up controversy. Stan plays Donald Trump in a film that chronicles his rise as a leading figure in New York's real estate industry and his relationship with ruthless lawyer Roy Cohn. Any movie featuring the incoming president is going to divide audiences, but the film depicts many moments of Trump's life that will get audiences talking. Stan's transformation from a young, less confident Trump into the man viewers know now is impressive and deserves more attention.
Stan Still Hasn't Gotten A Shining Moment As Bucky Barnes
Marvel needs to create more chances for Stan to show his acting chops
Bucky Barnes is one of the longest-tenured characters remaining in the MCU. He has been around since 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger and has arguably gone through the most significant transformation of any character. He started as Steve Rogers' right-hand man before being brainwashed into the Winter Soldier. Seven decades later, he encounters Steve again, who helps him break away from his Winter Soldier persona and start life anew. Bucky is finally in a good place and is expected to have more of a leadership role in Thunderbolts*.
Bucky Barnes' first post-Falcon and the Winter Soldier appearance will be in Thunderbolts*, which can fix one huge missed opportunity in the MCU.
Despite his lengthy MCU tenure, Bucky has never been given his moment to shine. Even in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, the focus was mainly on developing Sam Wilson into Captain America. Stan had an excellent opportunity to show his acting talents when Bucky tells his neighbor he's responsible for his son's death, but the series cut away from it. It's interesting to see how Bucky's character is evolving, and his next movie should evolve him even further as he works with another team without Steve's guidance.
Thunderbolts* Needs To Make Him A Central Character
Stan can shine as the leader of Marvel's new team
Thunderbolts* is a large ensemble cast with many of Marvel's best antiheroes, including Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, Ghost, and Taskmaster. While director Jake Schreier's recent comments suggest Yelena will have a central role in the film, Bucky also needs to be a lead character. He is easily the most recognizable MCU hero in the cast since he's been around the longest, and Bucky deserves to be a leading member of this team.
He is easily the most experienced out of anyone on this team, and he can gear them in the right direction after working with Steve and Sam. Bucky is also reportedly a member of Congress, meaning his leadership will be needed in this team and in U.S. politics. His expanded role will give Bucky plenty of moments to continue his evolution as a character, but it will also give Stan many opportunities to display his talent as an actor. Thunderbolts* comes out in 2025, and should capitalize on Stan's successful run.
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