If Marvel Studios is looking for someone to take over the Captain America mantle in Phase 4 and beyond, Sebastian Stan would love to do so. Stan has been part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Phase 1, and signed on with the potential to play a very important role. Marvel locked him down for nine films with his initial contract, and while they are not obligated to use every appearance, he's only made three appearances so far. With Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4 looming, he'll finally cross the halfway point to completing the deal.
The potential longevity of Stan's stay in the MCU has continued to leave fans wondering if he would be next up to be Captain America, should Chris Evans step away after Phase 3. There's no clear indication if that is happening just yet, but the actor says he'd be interested in doing it, one day.
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Sebastian Stan had a panel at Wizard World St. Louis and addressed the possibility of Bucky becoming Captain America during the panel (via Comicbook). To the surprise of no one, he didn't accidentally reveal any spoilers about his or Cap's fate when they fight Thanos. However, he did say he would love to do it, if they find the right way to progress the character.
I mean, yeah I would love that one day, absolutely. I don't know when that day would be, and I just think...it would be a very different Captain America you know, you wouldn't be able to have the same Captain America as you have right now because he's a different guy. Again, there's this issue where we've got to get him to be trustworthy enough for them to give him that responsibility, you know, to fill those shoes, and those are hard shoes to fill. So I think it's possible, I really do, but it just has to make sense and we might need a little more time.
Its hardly a shock that Stan says he'd be interested in a character arc that gives him job security in Hollywood's biggest franchise for years to come. Unfortunately for those outside Marvel Studios, whether or not that is the plan will remain a closely kept secret for well over a year. Fans have yet to even see how Infinity War comes to a close, let alone how the events unfold in Avengers 4. The contracts of Evans and the other main Avengers stars are all believed to be completed after the fourth film, which definitely leaves the future of Captain America unclear.
If Bucky is ultimately the path Marvel Studios goes down, they'd be wise to listen to Stan's take on changing the character. Bucky is far from the prototypical version of Captain America. But then again, the Nomad version of Steve Rogers that is forthcoming isn't even wearing the stars and stripes at this point. That could be the influence Bucky takes should Steve perish at the hands of Thanos. He could take on the underground crime and stay in the shadows to do good, all in Cap's memory but without the recognition. Plus, there's also Anthony Mackie's Falcon waiting for his chance too, so maybe he'll be the true heir to the vibranium shield.
MORE: Chris Evans: Talk to Marvel About My Captain America Future
Source: Wizard World St. Louis [via Comicbook]
