Potential for an Overlooked Hero to Shine in What If Season 2

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ambitious “multiverse saga” has consistently explored the realm of the hypothetical, and no project has embraced this concept quite like “What If…?”. While primarily an animated series with a self-contained narrative, the show has intriguingly bridged the gap between animation and live-action in the MCU. Notably, characters like Captain Carter (an alternate Peggy Carter with a Super Soldier serum infusion) and the malevolent Strange Supreme have made their mark in both realms. As “What If…?” Season 2 unfolds with daily episodes this week, it becomes evident that, alongside the continued prominence of Captain Carter, another character is emerging as increasingly significant — Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier.

Episode 6 of Season 2, titled “What If… Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?” takes Captain Carter back to the present-day timeline. Here, she discovers that Steve Rogers is still alive, his life prolonged by the Hydra Stomper mech suit he piloted during World War II. Rogers, now brainwashed by the Red Room, unexpectedly resurfaces in America, targeting Bucky Barnes, who has ascended to the role of Secretary of State. Notably, Secretary Barnes defends a foreign aid package to Sokovia before the altercation unfolds. This narrative shift hints at a depth and complexity to Bucky’s character that extends beyond his established identity as the Winter Soldier.

This is not the first appearance of Bucky in “What If…?” Season 2. In Episode 2, titled “What If… Peter Quill Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?” set in the 1980s, Bucky is portrayed as the world’s most deadly assassin, sent to contain a potential threat posed by Peter Quill as a child. In this alternate scenario, Bucky’s role is instrumental, and by the end of the episode, he appears to have shed his Winter Soldier persona. This suggests an alternate timeline where Bucky avoids the tragic events involving Tony Stark’s parents, showcasing a narrative divergence from the established MCU canon.

These two episodes collectively emphasize the depth and versatility of Bucky Barnes’ character. Beyond being the formerly brainwashed assassin who underwent therapy and formed an uneasy alliance with Sam Wilson in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Bucky is depicted as a multifaceted figure. He is not merely the steely-eyed assassin from a decade ago but also assumes roles as a leader, the strategic mastermind, and even a political figure, as evidenced by his position as Secretary of State in one of the episodes.

The recurring presence of Bucky in “What If…?” Season 2 raises intriguing possibilities for the character’s future in the MCU. While Sam Wilson smoothly transitioned from “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” to “Captain America: Brave New World,” Bucky’s next live-action appearance is anticipated as part of the ensemble cast in “Thunderbolts.” This ensemble format offers a different narrative dynamic and an opportunity for Bucky to shine in a team setting.

The hope among fans is that Bucky’s diverse roles portrayed across these parallel universes in “What If…?” will underscore the character’s underutilized potential within the MCU. As the series continues to explore alternative timelines and narratives, it is increasingly apparent that Bucky Barnes may be on the cusp of receiving a well-deserved and impactful moment in the spotlight. The intriguing narrative possibilities hinted at in “What If…?” Season 2 may pave the way for Bucky to play a more prominent and central role in the broader Marvel narrative.

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Nick Fury, Maria Hill, Phil Coulson, James “Bucky” Barnes, Peggy Carter