Writer Ed Brubaker, who co-created the Winter Soldier with artist Steve Epting, has revealed that he has "mixed feelings" regarding the character's starring role in the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
"And of course, today the Falcon and Winter Soldier show debuts on Disney+, which I sadly have very mixed feelings about," Brubaker wrote in his latest newsletter. "I'm really happy for Sebastian Stan, who I think is both a great guy and the perfect Bucky/Winter Soldier, and I'm glad to see him getting more screen time finally. Also, Anthony Mackie is amazing as the Falcon, and everyone at Marvel Studios that I've ever met (all the way up to Kevin Feige) have been nothing but kind to me... but at the same time, for the most part all Steve Epting and I have gotten for creating the Winter Soldier and his storyline is a 'thanks' here or there, and over the years that's become harder and harder to live with."
"So yeah, mixed feeling, and maybe it'll always be like that (but I sure hope not)," Brubaker continues. "Work-for-hire work is what it is, and I'm honestly thrilled to have co-created something that's become such a big part of pop culture - or even pop subculture with all the Bucky-Steve slash fiction - and that run on Cap was one of the happiest times of my career, certainly while doing superhero comics. Also, I have a great life as a writer and much of it is because of Cap and the Winter Soldier bringing so many readers to my other work. But I also can't deny feeling a bit sick to my stomach sometimes when my inbox fills up with people wanting comments on the show."
The prolific writer adds that he will more than likely wait to watch Falcon and Winter Soldier, though he does encourage fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to tune in. While he pleads for fans not to email him any spoiler, Brubaker does suggest that fans show Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, lots of love.
Created by Brubaker and Epting, Winter Soldier debuted in 2004's Captain America #1. It was revealed that Bucky Barnes, Cap's World War II sidekick that was believed to be dead, was secretly alive and a brainwashed assassin. With Cap's help, Bucky would eventually break free of his brainwashing and fight alongside his former mentor, even taking on the mantle of Captain America after Steve Roger's death in 2007.
Directed by Kari Skogland, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier stars Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Emily VanCamp, Wyatt Russell, Noah Mills, Carl Lumbly and Daniel Brühl. The series is now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes releasing every Friday.
Source: Ed Brubaker