The Marvel Cinematic Universe is still reeling from the box office windfall of Deadpool & Wolverine, which has revitalized its release schedule after a noticeable dip in reception. However, Marvel Studios should not become complacent, as it is always wise to stay cautious, though it might be a little too late to step back. More so because despite the monumental success of Deadpool & Wolverine, the studio has recently delivered a glimpse at a Marvel hero that has already dampened the MCU’s current box office momentum, leaving fans disappointed.

Deadpool & Wolverine was undeniably the biggest money-spinner for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but there is considerable debate about whether the studio can sustain the legacy it has created, mirroring the Barbenheimer debut success. The first full trailer for Thunderbolts* was recently leaked online following its debut at D23 with scenes of Yelena Belova visiting Red Guardian, along with brief glimpses of Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko).

Despite the fleeting sequence featuring Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier, fans quickly noted what they see as a distinct deterioration in Bucky Barnes' appearance from the last portrayed miniseries, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, to the 2025 film Thunderbolts*. Stan has portrayed the character across several MCU films, including Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, as well as in the miniseries and What If…?.

Florence Pugh Teases a First Glimpse of Marvel’s Upcoming 2025 Film ‘Thunderbolts'

For fans who have seen Stan portray the iconic hero for decades, the glimpse of his character in the upcoming Thunderbolts* has left them deeply frustrated, particularly with the French cut beard and John Wick hairstyle.

Thunderbolts* is an upcoming American superhero film set for release next year, featuring Sebastian Stan, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and others. Although Marvel Studios began hinting at the formation of a Thunderbolts team as early as 2021, production was delayed due to labor disputes. With the film positioned as the final entry in the MCU’s Phase Five, fans have high expectations before the studio's transition into Phase Six.

From the mood observed online, it appears that the studio may have unintentionally self-sabotaged in the wake of the unprecedented leaks.

Many fans noticed the apparent regression, but others looked beyond the surface. Some argued that the second lengthy leak, which showed Stan’s Bucky in the poor-quality teaser trailer, should not lead fans to hasty conclusions. While this advice seems sound, it remains to be seen whether all fans accept it with as much ease as they nodded to the character’s perceived downgrade in the upcoming film.

Sebastian Stan Is All Praise for ‘Thunderbolts*’ Co-stars David Harbour And Florence Pugh

What do you think of fans' frustration over the alleged "downgrade" in Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes' character from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier to the forthcoming Thunderbolts*? Let us know in the comments below!