Actor Sebastian Stan, known for his role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has received a significant nod as a Best Actor nominee for the 2025 Academy Awards. This exciting milestone has intensified my enthusiasm for both the upcoming Thunderbolts* and the broader MCU landscape. With his expected appearance in Captain America: Brave New World before assuming a leading role in Thunderbolts*, which is scheduled for release on May 2, 2025, fans are eager for what lies ahead. This film marks the culmination of MCU Phase 5, setting the stage for an explosive transition into Phase 6, which will feature two Avengers films.
While I don’t want to tempt fate, the trajectory of the MCU appears promising at this point. My interest in Thunderbolts*, which showcases a cast of reformed villains and antiheroes, has steadily grown with each new piece of information released. Initially excited about the return of characters like Yelena Belova and Red Guardian, the recent recognition of Sebastian Stan has elevated my expectations. I now believe that Thunderbolts* has the potential to become one of the standout films within the entire saga.
Why Sebastian Stan Secured His First Academy Award Nomination
Nominated for His Role as Donald Trump in *The Apprentice*
The nominees for this year’s Academy Awards were recently unveiled, and Sebastian Stan has received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Following his Golden Globe win for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy with *A Different Man*, this Oscar nod comes for his role in *The Apprentice*. This historical drama portrays a young Donald Trump, exploring his early years as a real estate mogul in the late 20th century.
|
Best Actor Nominees for the 97th Academy Awards |
|
|---|---|
|
Actor |
Movie |
|
Sebastian Stan |
The Apprentice |
|
Adrien Brody |
The Brutalist |
|
Timothée Chalamet |
A Complete Unknown |
|
Ralph Fiennes |
Conclave |
|
Colman Domingo |
Sing Sing |
*The Apprentice* has received considerable acclaim, boasting a score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes among critics and 83% among audiences. Stan’s performance as Donald Trump has been singled out as a key strength of the film, alongside Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Roy Cohn. Critics have praised Stan’s ability to embody Trump’s youthful demeanor against the backdrop of a politically charged environment, providing a complex view of a polarizing figure while addressing the darker elements of his ascent.
Despite the film’s accolades, Trump himself criticized it, referring to it as a “defamatory, politically disgusting hatchet job.” Stan’s nomination is particularly intriguing considering it may have come at the expense of Daniel Craig, who was anticipated to receive a nod for his role in *Queer*. It’s important to note that the Academy Awards are determined by nearly 10,000 members of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and current political sentiments may have influenced this year’s nominations. However, this in no way diminishes Stan’s talent, particularly highlighted by his Golden Globe victory.
Marvel’s *Thunderbolts* Will Highlight Sebastian Stan’s Acting Skills
*Thunderbolts* Will Explore Mental Health Themes
As we anticipate the release of *Thunderbolts*, I am confident that it will further showcase why Sebastian Stan is worthy of his Oscar nomination. Stan’s portrayal of Bucky Barnes has captured the hearts of fans since his introduction in *Captain America: The First Avenger*. His character development, particularly in *Captain America: The Winter Soldier*, cemented Bucky’s troubled psyche, skillfully portraying the conflict between his brainwashed Winter Soldier persona and his enduring loyalty to Steve Rogers.
Insights from the film’s cast and director suggest that *Thunderbolts* will tackle the intricate themes of mental health. From the trailer, it is evident that this motif will be central to the narrative. Red Guardian actor David Harbor mentioned in an interview with Entertainment Weekly:
Part of the film is — for a lot of these characters, not to get too deep on it — but it deals a little bit with mental illness and self-hatred, for sure, and the tripping over yourself.
Likewise, Wyatt Russell, who plays John Walker, stated:
Go [watch *Thunderbolts*] for the kicks, stay for the emotional complexity and the mental health issues.
Director Jake Schreier echoed these sentiments, humorously referring to a scene from the trailer where Bucky washes his vibranium arm in a dishwasher:
Come for the dishwasher jokes, stay for the deep emotional journey.
Hopeful for Sebastian Stan’s Future in the MCU Post-Oscar Nomination
Marvel Studios Will Likely Retain an Oscar Nominee in Its Roster
Many fans, including myself, have concerns regarding the future of the *Thunderbolts* following their apparent lack of powers compared to some of the more formidable characters in the MCU, which raises questions about their survival. Additionally, the absence of Taskmaster in much of the *Thunderbolts* trailer hints at potential peril for the team. While concluding Bucky Barnes’ arc could evoke emotional depth, it may not be the ideal direction for Marvel at this juncture.
My hope is that Marvel Studios recognized Stan’s talent long before he received his Oscar nomination and that *Thunderbolts* will both underscore this talent and pave the way for his future in the MCU. Moreover, it would be a significant oversight for the studio to discard such a gifted actor, especially when past examples, such as Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU shortly after winning an Oscar for *Oppenheimer*, illustrate the value of retaining prominent talent.
In summary, I remain optimistic that the MCU has a bright journey ahead for Bucky Barnes following Stan’s Oscar nod, and I look forward to seeing how *Thunderbolts* highlights his remarkable capabilities.
Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, Entertainment Weekly, Empire.
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