Sebastian Stan Dissects Bucky Barnes’ Trauma on ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier”

Superheroes are people, too, and that's what Sebastian Stan loves about "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier."
It’s been nearly 10 years since Sebastian Stan made his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In “Captain America: The First Avenger,” the actor embodied (Captain) America’s Best Friend Bucky Barnes, a Brooklyn boy who spent his life looking after his buddy Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). But in his next appearance, Bucky is a shadow of himself, having been captured by Nazis during World War II and turned into a weapon of mass destruction with the moniker “The Winter Soldier.”
And that was just the beginning.
The most recent chapter of the Bucky Barnes saga took place in a new frontier, as the MCU shifted to TV on a series titled “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” where he worked side by side with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), a.k.a. Falcon.
For his part, when first drafted into the Marvel movie business, Stan had no idea he’d still be around 10 years later, still exploring Bucky’s history, and now, future. To him, it was just a path he just kept traveling down, but was very happy to be included and for the opportunity to continue exploring a character that only grew more complicated.
Indeed, the beauty for many Marvel fans when watching “Winter Soldier” was the chance to see Bucky get some time to delve into the trauma he’s been carrying for decades upon decades. (He is 106 years old, after all.) That included finally being freed from the code words that had been implanted in the character’s brain by HYDRA to control him so many years ago, as depicted in an intensely emotional scene at the beginning of Episode 4.
“It was one of those things where you read the scripts and it’s a scene that you feel grateful about as an actor,” Stan said during a recent interview with IndieWire. “You’re like, ‘Oh, cool, I’m gonna get to do this.’ And then you’re really terrified about it. Because you’re like, ‘Oh, my God, I have the scene.’ I had it marked on my calendar and then I was counting the days. ‘Six days to the scene.'”
That scene is a flashback to Bucky’s time spent in Wakanda, where he is taken to recover from the events in “Captain America: Civil War.” Ayo, the second-in-command of Wakanda’s security force, the Dora Milaje takes Bucky through a deprogramming ritual, seated by a raging fire. Stan speaks little but his face says everything.
“From from a point of view of the character, it was really nice to have that scene. We’ve never really seen [Bucky] let go, so to speak,” Stan said. “I keep telling Kevin [Feige] about it. He’s a big part of Wakanda. That’s where his journey started again and it was just nice to have that scene and have it happen there and for us to have that flashback to give us context to everything else that he was doing.”
It’s maybe a curious conversation to expect from a billion-dollar franchise, but much of the first Disney+ TV efforts from Marvel have at least tangentially explored themes of trauma. It might not have been where Stan expected the storytelling to go, but it’s a topic he’s grateful to discuss either way.
“I have a lot of fans that reach out, writing about trauma and telling me about certain situations that they’re going through and feeling empowered,” he said. “I feel like that might be the greatest gift, to be honest. People are experiencing a lot of difficult things. And if for a second, they can just have another experience outside of themselves, I think we’ve done our job. That’s the most important thing, right?”
And there’s a reason that those stories work so well within the Marvel worlds. For as many of the Avengers that are gods (Thor) or received alien-provided awesomeness (Captain Marvel) or are radiated hulks (Hulk), just as many are regular folks, sucked into situations in which technology, physical aptitude, and their wits are the only ways they’re able to survive. It takes a toll.
“One of the things I loved about our show, if I may be biased, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes aren’t actually superheroes. They’re regular people are trying to navigate real life stuff. And ‘WandaVision’ did this too. I love that,” Stan said. “The MCU was dealing with situations, trying to highlight that even though these people have superpowers, they’re still traumatized by these issues.”
“It’s what Marvel is so great at,” he said. “This is entertainment, but at the same time, there’s a message there. There’s something deeper about it, that’s reflected in its popularity. If it was just entertainment, people can’t rewatch that over and over. I don’t think we have the patience or the attention span for that. People want to relate. People want to feel.”
#SebastianStan
#TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier
#Pam&Tommy

[@apostoliavlachou5863]

That was such a good interview! The interviewer asked relevant and well-thought out questions and the whole vibe in general was calm/ easy to understand!

[@pamelahuerta6222]

Both so calm... the interview feels so natural, I really enjoyed and such interesting topics!

[@ar.2822]

this was filmed the same day that the variety interview and he definitely looked more relaxed here. his solo interviews are really good

[@hothotheat3000]

Note to self: ask him about Kings so his face lights up.

[@angelfish1192]

Aw

[@peachesandpoets]

Lol I was gonna say I bet now his fans annoy him abt kings even if they don't know what it is bc they heard this lmao

[@aro988]

Actually kings is my all time favourite show too bad they cancelled it 😢

[@cinlabbe9856]

Being someone who''s been in a really abusive relationship, lots of brainwash... That scene in the show where he cries after hearing the words... It broke me so much. Being told that you're free after something like that is an intense moment. Thank you for playing that scene with so much respect.

[@karthu1993]

I'm so sorry about what you had to go through. Stay strong and keep going. Hugs.

[@cuticlemuncher]

♥♥♥♥

[@AngelaShortt]

I was there once; six years of hell. Filing for divorce was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

[@cuticlemuncher]

@@AngelaShortt I’m 15 And I’ve already been thru that stuff I’ve been going thru it since I was younger with this one guy that I liked as a kid and from 11-14 he manipulated me made me feel worthless and depressed and a lot of other things and he’s the reason I’m afraid of relationships and when I’m in one I can’t stay long term

[@AngelaShortt]

@@cuticlemuncher It's so heartbreaking that you went through all that at such a young age. The PTSD and fear that happens afterwards is too much for adults. I hope and pray that you can get therapy and heal from this.

[@Flora-vo9ds]

I'm recovering from anorexia nervosa. This week, my doctor asked me to find three TV or book characters that struggle but try to take care of themselves. First character that came to mind is Bucky from the show. I didn't really like the first four episodes and almost didn't watch the fifth. I did. And in that episode Sam said, "If you want to feel better, you gotta do the work." But it was in the season finale, the sixth episode, that the message really sank in. Because that ending, Sam is getting better with his sister, his sister getting more connected with the community, and the community coming to help the Wilson's family, and then Bucky, Bucky actually getting better, it makes people believe that perhaps people do get better. Recovery is not linear, so he might still struggle, but he'll know what recovery feels like. And I really believed Sam. It's a bit silly because it is literally a Disney show. But perhaps that's why people like Disney shows. It brings hope.

[@Flora-vo9ds]

And why am I writing this in a random KZbin comment, I do not know.

[@Flora-vo9ds]

@@topincherpi8307 Thank you! (Wow that was only nine months ago?!! It felt a life time away. How time flies.) I graduated uni, found a job as a high school chemistry substitute teacher, managed to somewhat keep my athletic career (though I won't be able to attend competitions in a very long time to come, but I have my goals). I got a lot better. And then, well, life happens, so I'm facing some new road bumps as of right now, but I'll figure it out :)

[@Flora-vo9ds]

I don't know why KZbin deleted my comment. Here's an update. I graduated from uni, became a high school substitute teacher, and maybe going back to my athletic career later. I got a lot better. Then life happens, so it's a difficult time again, but I'll figure it out.

[@stevierae6561]

An extremely well done interview. The interviewer asked questions that I’ve personally wanted answers to. They also asked it so well that I couldn’t have phrased it better myself.

[@themimsy]

Loved Stan’s acting in Civil War and The Winter Soldier. Even though he didn’t have a lot of lines or anything, his face said it all. The deadness in his eyes. Bucky trying to break through the brainwashing and him struggling with it. (Like him fighting Steve in Captain America the Winter Soldier and then him reacting to zemo saying the trigger words). But his acting in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in Wakanda just blew me away. It’s also not common we get to see a male character truly be emotional and break down like that. It felt so real. Huge props to Sebastian. But also, screw the therapist in the show. She didn’t deserve to be thanked by Stan at all. She’s the opposite of a helpful therapist. Therapists are supposed to be compassionate and patient and understanding. Not passive aggressive and borderline rude. And I’m also so upset that the scene with Bucky confessing to Yori was cut so short. I wanted to see that unfold. And then the show trying to criminalize John Walker to make the flagsmashers seem better by comparison. He wasn’t a good cap sure, but he wasn’t evil. And not even given a chance. People hate him for killing a flagsmasher (a terrorist) for killing his best friend, but then don’t hate Tony for trying to murder Bucky who didn’t have a choice or any control. The wakandan Dora literally come looking for zemo but then try to Murder lemar and John? Lmao like what? What did they do at that point besides being kinda arrogant and jerky??? At least he was trying. But no. The show acts like the TERRORIST GROUP of the flag smashers are better by comparison. The show pushed an agenda so hard but couldn’t truly own up to it. Could’ve made John an actually bad dude and made the flagsmashers more of vigilantes or Robin Hood like figures, but no. They were terrorists who bombed innocent people and had a very poorly thought out plan.

[@karthu1993]

I have some thing to say about your last para. My god you said exactly what's in my mind. One of things I liked about CA films is the villains. Red Skull, Zola, Hydra, Zemo... They were all well developed. That's what was lacking in TFATWS. Karli is another sad example of a badly written female villain. Making flagsmashers vigilanted would have been a better idea, especially as people with such an importance social justice background. About evil John Lemar. I mean I don't know if I wanted him to be evil but I wonder how they'll treat him in future films. Also in that therapist's defense, she was purposefully being aggressive towards him because she thought that's what he needed. Which wasn't true, Bucky needed someone more compassionate.

[@karthu1993]

3:47 - 5:06 LoL the way he talked about it felt so relatable in many ways as opposed to be overtly philosophical or diplomatic. Especially the calender part. I like how real he is.

[@scorpio7241]

Trauma, panic attacks and anxiety are part of having ptsd. Just when you think you have a handle on things, something happens and you don’t 😢 It’s challenging to overcome. Sebastian helped bring that out with the Bucky character. I’m glad it was addressed in the series. Sebastian’s voice helps me to focus more and calms me down. Thank you🥰🤗

[@saifmahmudishtiakshushaan462]

Look at him shading the cancel culture clowns in the end, you go get 'em dude!

[@karthu1993]

"If you have something to say, go out there and f**ing prove it." *mic drop*

[@lebby7008]

@@karthu1993 until someone proves it lol

[@iamgroot2810]

@@lebby7008Well nobody could prove anything against him till now, apart from the fact that all the people trolling him are toxic fangirls who have a lot of time and energy to waste, like they're literally running hate pages.

[@skittles7306]

People were trying to cancel him? Really? He's like the quietest one, isn't he?

[@ar.2822]

@sam and bucky are married he hasn't moved a single finger in her defense 🤡 y'all love to tell that lie. What he said here, he did it for himself not for no one else. It was recorded the weekend that "ripsebastianstan" trended 🤡 he is right in saying what he said. get over it

[@iamgroot2810]

He deserves all the love and happiness in the world.

[@zacharyklein9607]

I know it’s for that Tommy Lee tv series but god damn that landing strip of a goatee is... jarring lmao

[@jamirasingss6518]

yes it kinda is. But he kinda rocks it. Maybe it’s bc the rock look is hot to me bc I’m emo as shit so.

[@postaldee68]

Libby, this is my favorite interview with Sebastian EVER! I'm so glad I stumbled into it. Thank you for asking him about "the scene" in episode 4 of FATWS. I had no idea that scene was coming. I definitely wasn't ready for it. Not going to lie...I had to pause for a minute and process. So good! Thanks again for a great interview. Now I'm going to go find that Kings show!

[@halzetg4621]

Is it just me or did anyone else cry when watching the scene in wakanda with Bucky

[@abyssus9934]

Really great interview! I really like the scene Ayo helped Bucky getting rid of the programming. Watched that part several times.

[@AlphaEarth]

Very interesting interview, enjoyed that very much.

[@cindella204]

as one of the many people who has looked to bucky's story while dealing with my own trauma, i really enjoyed listening to sebastian talk about that in a setting where he has enough time to actually think and get into it. and like others have said, love the way this was paced!

[@OddWomanOut_Pi81]

Libby Hill... Luv, this was a stellar interview. Sebastian sounded like he was tired, but I don't remember hearing an interview with him where he's been THIS candid and relaxed...and CHATTY. Lol! As I said, he sounded absolutely beat, but he was answering your questions thoroughly and with so much thoughtfulness & honesty. This was a treat! BRAVO! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Scifisam]

I love the way he says Thanos.

[@mdafneirais]

Sebastian’s messy hair strikes again

[@JessicasASMR]

Such a good interview

[@chanelsimone6072]

Such a good interview!!!

[@oliviagracego18]

sebastian i am free to hang out all day every day

[@cuticlemuncher]

i love this interviewer shes so sweet omg ♥

[@nicole-nz9mg]

good interview!

[@GuardianOwl]

15:08 _Kings_ discussion

[@ASparkleross]

He was in the midst of filming Pam & Tommy, and a little bit of the affectation he took on for Tommy Lee is present in his voice here. I can here the lazy "L.A. dude" quality slipping through.

[@shanshanleehandpan9577]

Asking about KINGS was genius!!!!!

[@rebeccashaver8518]

3:39 ITS JESUS BUCKY!

[@rebeccashaver8518]

I understand that was supposed to be an emotional scene but... IT'S JESUS BUCKY!

[@niunia19991]

I just noticed that Sebastian is amazing at playing a man next to a big woman, great in relationships stuff. Good interview, I like him going deeper in topics.

[@pm3010]

The way Anothy Mackie got nominated for best actor but Sebastian Stan was not nominated didn't sit right with me.

[@TheFlowMind]

Nominated for what?

[@pm3010]

@@TheFlowMind HCA

[@AlphaEarth]

Mackie wasn't nominated for Hurt Locker at the Oscars, but Jeremy Renner was. That said, are nominations still relevant these days?

[@AngelaShortt]

@@AlphaEarth My memory about the various movie awards shows isn't very good, but I don't like the fact that people think one actor should've been nominated or won instead the person who did. Acting isn't easy, and the only reason why I know that is because I had to a play in middle school, and I was miserable. Any dreams I had about the profession disappeared. It's easy to judge people when you're removed from their particular circumstances. And I believe that acting as a profession is a lot more complicated than most people think it is.

[@AngelaShortt]

@@AlphaEarth I agree with you, by the way.

[@duhishipthemtoo5735]

Sebastian Stan should be banned from looking gorgeous 😭I’m dead yo

[@chloeye2893]

What did the interviewer say at 3:04? And Sebastian's words afterwards? I just feel like it's much more --- Sorry for my poor English

[@criswebb7470]

“Very ‘first season of (the show) Handmaid’e Tale’, I’m sure.” Is what she said, referencing how the first season of The Handmaid’s Tale coincided with the political rise of Donald Trump and anti-choice politics. He just kind of said, yeah yeah, this show felt politically relevant to real world stuff too.

[@user-uq2hx4lc1j]

Spiderman plays 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@user-jq5ut9oy3x]

I love brien I wants his House lol

[@geoffreylane5606]

Mk ultra 👍

[@jorgejrhernandez6202]

👑🇺🇲 Winter Soldier 🇺🇲👑

[@anaaaa7016]

Is it just me or does he seem kinda upset in this interview?

[@saifmahmudishtiakshushaan462]

I think he looks like he had long hard day of work and really needing some sleep.

[@jamirasingss6518]

@@saifmahmudishtiakshushaan462 he just seems tired plus he gets very shy and introverted at times and gets the most energetic when Anthony is there he’s even described it as a separation anxiety almost. So that may be part of it but he’s doing press for one project while filming another still in the pandemic he’s tired lol

[@saifmahmudishtiakshushaan462]

@@jamirasingss6518 Yeah ik. That too.

[@TessaGold1301]

2 old guys lol

[@azariabronton8821]

He looks konda weitd here......wait nvm

[@meandyou00]

I hope for no Bucky in cap4. I’m so sick of him being sidelined and nerf a lot in his own show. And with marvel/disney woke agenda recently, it’s suck.

[@AlphaEarth]

Oh dear, another sad individual throwing their toys out of the pram. Besides, is it possible to have a Cap movie without Bucky? But having an African American play Cap would upset you too, so perhaps you should give that movie a miss, in case you get mistaken for a human being.

[@justice2226]

@@AlphaEarth Mackie as captian america is such a mistake. At least someone like Michael b jordan is way more better.

[@lokidoki5432]

@@justice2226 just say ur racist

[@lokidoki5432]

bro acknowledging racism isn’t being woke it’s being a decent person

[@saifmahmudishtiakshushaan462]

Well, Cap 4 is unthinkable without Bucky now. And he still can fight fiercely, watch the bar fight scene in the 3rd episode. He held back throughout the show and that added a lot of depth to his character development, expect him to fight more fiercely in the upcoming appearances. And if you think acknowledging racism is "woke agenda" instead of being a decent person, you're part of the problem. You don't seem to get what Cap's shield truly stands for.

[@MONSTERKILL2013]

You spelt vanilla ice wrong. Seriously what the fuck is that beard