The Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced many concepts from Marvel Comics, but not all have made the jump over to the big screen. One of these that's still missing is that of the Thunderbolts, which is essentially Marvel's equivalent to DC's Suicide Squad. A group of former villains united to defend the Earth in the Avengers' stead, the Thunderbolts present an interesting opportunity in the current MCU. Unfortunately, while a movie involving the team is finally in the works, one of the potential members doesn't really belong.
Reportedly set to appear in Thunderbolts, Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, is still seeking redemption and soul-searching after losing his best friend. But given his current path and the general premise of the Thunderbolts, he shouldn't be anywhere near the team. Not only would this derail his development, but it also speaks to a huge missed opportunity with the character in the movies. Here's why Bucky shouldn't have anything to do with the upcoming Thunderbolts movie or its eponymous team.
Bucky Barnes Has Found Redemption in the MCU
For much of his MCU history, Bucky Barnes was the brainwashed assassin known as the Winter Soldier. As this deadly and cold killer, Bucky took down targets without prejudice. These included the parents of Tony Stark, something that Bucky didn't even realize until after his programming began to fade. Since then, he's worked alongside several Avengers, namely his former friend Steve Rogers, the original Captain America. Not only did they fight side by side during the Civil War of the Sokovian Accords, but he also helped save the universe with numerous other heroes in the "Battle for Earth."
In between some of these movies, Bucky had gone to Wakanda in order to receive treatment for his harrowing and torturous past. Now, after the events of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, he's finally more at peace with himself and the world than he's been in decades. However, putting him on a group full of villains will completely upend that, which is why his being in Thunderbolts is such a bad idea.
Bucky Should've Become the New Captain America, Not Joined the Thunderbolts
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As mentioned, the roster of the Thunderbolts is supposed to be a bunch of villains. These weren't people who were brainwashed and controlled like Bucky as Winter Soldier, but out-and-out crooks who chose their life of crime of their own volition. That doesn't describe Bucky, and it contradicts his current character path and development. He's effectively redeemed himself, while none of the likely cast of Thunderbolts has come close. Thus, all he'd be doing on the team is essentially repeating his past character arcs, thus undoing the last few Marvel movies and shows.
To be fair, if Bucky really is in the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, it could be in a more advisory role. That could make him a field commander who corals the villains, much like Rick Flagg in the Suicide Squad. However, this role has usually gone to Hawkeye, and given that Clint Barton has passed his mantle to Kate Bishop, having him take on this part now might make more sense than Bucky doing it.
But it also points out how insignificant Bucky has become in the MCU. When he returned as the Winter Soldier in the comics, he took a redemptive path by becoming the new Captain America. That might have felt unearned in the MCU, but the same thing could be said about Falcon taking up the shield and mantle. Without this organic transition, Bucky is somewhat flapping in the wind as a character, to the point where Marvel thinks putting him on the Thunderbolts is a good idea. The best thing that could happen for Bucky is to take it easy for a while, avoiding as much conflict as possible and simply enjoying his new lease on life. Of course, that would mean sidelining his character, but if Marvel Studios doesn't want to undermine the work it's done with him, it's for the best.