Bucky Barnes (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Bucky Barnes
Marvel Cinematic Universe character
Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
First appearance	Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Based on	Bucky Barnes by Joe Simon Jack Kirby
Adapted by	Christopher Markus Stephen McFeely
Portrayed by	Sebastian Stan
In-universe information
Full name	James Buchanan Barnes
Aliases	Winter Soldier White Wolf
Nicknames	Bucky Buck
Title	Sergeant (U.S. Army)
Occupation	Assassin Soldier
Affiliation	Hydra Soviet Union Howling Commandos Strategic Scientific Reserve United States Army
Weapon	Metal prosthetic arms[1] Captain America's shield Various firearms Grenade launcher Knives
Origin	Brooklyn, New York, United States
Nationality	American

James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes is a fictional character portrayed by Sebastian Stan in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise—based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Barnes is childhood best friends with Steve Rogers and serves alongside him in the Howling Commandos during World War II. Barnes is seemingly killed in action, but is actually captured by elements of Hydra within the Soviet Union. He is brainwashed and transformed into a super soldier with a metal arm known as the Winter Soldier. In their quest for world domination, Hydra uses a programmed Barnes as an assassin throughout the 20th century.

Barnes comes into conflict with Rogers and his allies during the Hydra uprising, eventually gaining some control over himself. However, Helmut Zemo later takes control of Barnes to destroy the Avengers. This conflict, along with internal strife over the Sokovia Accords, causes the Avengers to split up and Rogers is forced to hide Barnes in Wakanda, where Shuri eventually cures him of his programming and is given a new code name, White Wolf. Barnes aids the Avengers in the conflict against Thanos, falling victim to the Blip. After he is restored to life, he joins the final and victorious battle against a variant of Thanos. After Rogers' retirement, Barnes is pardoned by the U.S. government and strives to make amends for his murderous past. He joins Sam Wilson in defeating the pro-Blip Flag Smashers.

As of 2023^[update], Barnes has appeared in seven MCU films, as well as in a lead role in the miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021). He is expected to return in the upcoming film Thunderbolts* (2025). Stan's portrayal of the character has been met with positive reception. He and Stan Lee are the only characters besides Rogers who appeared in all three Captain America films.

Alternate versions of Barnes from within the MCU Multiverse appear in the animated series What If...? (2021–present).