Marvel has assembled one of its biggest casts ever for Avengers: Doomsday (2026), but bringing this many heroes together may come with a painful price.
Sebastian Stan, who will once again play Bucky Barnes, has added to the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Avengers movie. While he didn't reveal what happens, the longtime Marvel star dropped a comment that raises a troubling question: How many heroes will actually survive?
With Doctor Doom preparing to collide with heroes from three different universes, Stan's words may leave fans particularly nervous about Bucky's future.
Sebastian Stan Teases Who Will Survive Doomsday
While appearing at Tokyo Comic Con, Stan faced questions about Avengers: Doomsday (2026), but he wasn't about to give away Marvel's secrets.
“I don't know if I can say very much about that,” Stan said. “I don't know what's going to happen. We'll see who makes it or who doesn't.”
He also discussed Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU as Doctor Doom, teasing that the actor will have “something in store for everybody.”
Stan never said Bucky dies. He didn't confirm that any particular character will die, either. But his comment about seeing “who makes it” certainly leaves room for some devastating possibilities.
Disney has already described Avengers: Doomsday (2026) as sending heroes from three universes on a “deadly collision course” while they face an existential threat. The movie arrives in theaters on December 18, 2026.
Bucky Finally Has Another Team
The possibility of losing Bucky may hit especially hard, considering where Marvel has taken him.
Stan first played the character in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). Bucky began as Steve Rogers' best friend before becoming the brainwashed Winter Soldier. He eventually broke free and began the difficult process of rebuilding his life.
Then Thunderbolts* (2025) marked another major turning point for him.
Bucky joined Yelena Belova, John Walker, Red Guardian, Ghost, and others, with the group eventually emerging publicly as the New Avengers.
After years of struggling with his past and searching for where he belonged, Bucky suddenly found himself on another team. That could make what comes next even more painful.
Marvel has killed beloved characters before. Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff both died in Avengers: Endgame (2019), showing that being a fan favorite doesn't necessarily provide protection.
Could Bucky's Story End Here?
Bucky has now been part of the MCU for roughly 15 years, giving Marvel plenty of history to draw from if Avengers: Doomsday (2026) becomes his final chapter.
A heroic sacrifice could bring his redemption story full circle. After carrying the guilt of the people he was forced to kill as the Winter Soldier, Bucky could ultimately sacrifice himself to save others.
That's only speculation, however.
Stan's comments could simply be another carefully worded Marvel tease intended to keep fans guessing. But Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) follows, giving Marvel another reason to potentially reshape its enormous collection of heroes before the Multiverse Saga reaches its final battle.
Bucky Isn't the Only Veteran at Risk
Even if Bucky survives, Marvel has plenty of other longtime heroes who could potentially face an emotional ending.
Chris Evans is officially returning as Steve Rogers, while Chris Hemsworth will once again play Thor. Both characters have deep histories within the MCU.
Marvel is also bringing back several X-Men veterans, including Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming, and Kelsey Grammer.
Then there is Tobey Maguire.
Rumors have repeatedly connected Maguire to another Spider-Man appearance after his return in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Marvel hasn't confirmed him for Avengers: Doomsday (2026), however, meaning any possible final battle involving his Spider-Man remains speculation.
Marvel Could Be Preparing Some Painful Goodbyes
Marvel hasn't revealed who survives Avengers: Doomsday (2026), and Stan certainly didn't spoil Bucky's fate.
Still, his comment comes as Marvel prepares a crossover featuring characters with decades of history behind them. Bucky, Steve Rogers, Thor, and the returning X-Men veterans all provide potential opportunities for emotional goodbyes.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019) proved Marvel isn't afraid to put major heroes in danger when the stakes demand it.
Bucky may survive and continue fighting into Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). He could also become one of the heroes who doesn't make it that far.
For now, Stan has given nothing away. But “we'll see who makes it” is more than enough to make fans nervous about what Doctor Doom has waiting for Marvel's heroes.
