Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)  has been fantastic. We’ve gotten WandaVision, Loki, Hawkeye, and my personal favorite, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. These shows continue the MCU after the unfortunate, yet mildly joyous events of Avengers: End Game. 

The insanely astonishing occasion of Spiderman: No Way Home changed a lot for Phase 4, which will continue in Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This movie, featuring Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), is set to release on May 6th, 2022, being the soonest continuation of the MCU. But Marvel also has a fourth Captain America film in the works.

A fourth Captain America would consist of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as the new Captain America, and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) as the White Wolf (the opposite of his hydra-controlled “Winter Soldier” persona). It would be placed after the events of Falcon and the Winter Soldier. There is very little information about this film at the moment, but I have found some intriguing, heartbreaking theories.

As I scroll through Tik Tok, I come across many Marvel videos, especially things involving Bucky. One that I came upon was especially alarming to me. It showed an article headlined, “Captain America 4 Will Reportedly Kill Off A Major MCU Character”, then it flashed to a photo of James Buchanan Barnes. Not going to lie, the thought of this made me cry…hard. After some thorough research I discovered that only one site actually covered this theory (wegotthiscovered.com). But think about it. In most marvel movies someone important dies, especially in the most recent films. I hate to say it, but it seems realistic to me. He’s been in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Captain America: The First Avenger, released in 2011. This was also Chris Evan’s (Steve Rogers/Captain America) first MCU appearance, and he is no long involved with Marvel. Although, Sebastian Stan signed a nine movie contract, and he’s only appeared in 5, the fifth being Avengers: End Game. This would only be the sixth film, but you never know what tricks Marvel has up their sleeves. They may kill him off, then have more appearances or flashbacks in future films. I like to believe this is nothing more than an assumption, but brace yourself just in case.

Another theory that’s been brought up is based off of the Marvel comics. In 2007, the first issue of The Death of Captain America was released. In this series, a brainwashed Sharon Carter is ordered by Red Skull to assassinate Steve Roger’s Captain America. Sam Wilson seeks revenge and Bucky Barnes becomes the new Captain America. Some believe that in the fourth Captain America, Bucky will somehow take over the role of Captain America, believed to be caused by the potential death of Sam. Personally, I doubt this theory. In general, I believe they want to keep Bucky where he is. He’s glad that Sam could be Captain America, knowing that Steve wanted that for Sam. He wouldn’t want to go against Steve’s best wishes. Also, Anthony Mackie has a 10 movie contract with Marvel, and he’s only been in six films under the MCU so far.

All this said, I don’t think these theories are highly likely to come true. But you never know what Marvel is going to do next. They tend to throw major conflicts at their most beloved characters. Very depressing, heart wrenching, tear-jerking conflicts. Let’s hope for the best.

A Message to Marvel and the Russo Brothers 

Okay, listen. I get it. You need things to get interesting every now and then. But Bucky deserves to live in the peace he has finally found. Let him vibe in phase 4. He’s too good. I love him. If he goes down, we go down with him.

Respectfully,

Ella  😌