WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War, in theaters now.
Sebastian Stan admits he's glad he didn't land the role of Captain America. Joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Bucky Barnes in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, Stan went on to play major roles in its sequels, The Winter Soldier and Civil War, before returning this year in Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War.
Bucky was tragically turned to dust by Thanos in Infinity War, but Stan is expected to return in 2019 for its sequel and continue as the former Winter Soldier in the next phase of the MCU. However, that trajectory could've been very different if Stan had gotten his first choice to play Steve Rogers. But reflecting on the past, actor is happy he was cast as Bucky Barnes instead.
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Speaking with CNBC, Stan revealed how being rejected as Captain America eventually turned out for the best. Being told he wasn't "right for the part," the decision "worked out" as a "much better role." Giving advice to any actors in a similar situation, Stan said, "Try not to take things personally, learn how to face rejection, no matter what you do, stay obsessed with it."
As it stands, many are still expecting Steve Rogers to leave the MCU following Avengers 4, while Chris Evans himself claims he is done after this summer's reshoots on the movie. Bucky, on the other hand, looks like he is just getting started after adopting his new White Wolf persona by the end of Black Panther.
Whether Bucky gets to pick up Rogers' shield and take on the Captain America mantle remains to be seen, but Stan has said he is open to the idea. Considering that Infinity War was No. 4 in Stan's rumored nine-movie contract (No. 5, if we count the Black Panther cameo), he'd better get comfortable playing the reformed Winter Soldier, as it looks like Barnes will be around for the foreseeable future.
RELATED: If (Or When) Bucky Becomes Captain America, His Take Will Be Much Darker
In theaters now, Avengers: Infinity War is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Paul Bettany, Anthony Mackie, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Holland, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chadwick Boseman, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Tom Hiddleston and Josh Brolin.