Sebastian Stan Expects "Avengers: Doomsday" to Be Heartbreaking

Sebastian Stan says he has not watched “Avengers: Doomsday,” but he expects the film to break hearts and has no idea which heroes survive. Stan, who returns as Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, told Decider he does not know how the finished movie turned out. He predicted it will be heartbreaking in many ways, then added, “We’ll see who makes it to the next level.” The remark has sent fans searching for hidden meaning in a franchise that has not shied from killing major characters.

The actor described a warmer side to the shoot. He reunited with longtime castmates on set and said the experience felt nostalgic, a reminder of the years the group has spent growing up together on Marvel films.

Stan joins a growing list of cast members who admit they lack a full picture of the story. The ensemble is enormous, with more than 60 actors listed, and Marvel has kept plot details closely guarded. The Russo brothers direct. Robert Downey Jr. returns as Victor von Doom, a new role for the actor who played Tony Stark. Marvel has released four teaser trailers so far, and the film sits in post-production ahead of its Dec. 18 release. A sequel, “Avengers: Secret Wars,” follows on Dec. 17, 2027.

Speculation about Bucky’s fate has been building for weeks. Stan is reportedly in talks to join DC’s “The Batman Part II,” and some fans read that as a sign Marvel may write his character out of “Doomsday.” Others note that he could shoot both projects. A rumor from a Marvel scooper about the survival of the Thunderbolts team members, including Stan’s character, also circulated this fall. Marvel has confirmed none of it, and the studio has revealed no deaths.

Stan’s comment follows a pattern of vague, mournful hints from the cast. Pedro Pascal drew similar anxiety this year with an offhand remark about the Fantastic Four’s fate. For now, audiences have only teasers and guesses until the film opens.