10 Ways What If... Could Change The MCU
8. What If Bucky Was Captain America?
A lot of people expected Bucky to take over from Steve in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but instead that honour was passed to Anthony Mackie’s Falcon. A What If exploring Bucky’s take on the character seems like it might step on Falcon’s toes, but there’s a way they can do it without getting in the way of Mackie’s character.
Set it in 1945.
Sebastian Stan’s Bucky was always a clean cut, sturdy and valiant hero anyway, so doesn’t lack for heart, plus has a much better physique than the quite thin and weak Steve Rogers. Therefore, this alternate reality could see him become even stronger while casting Steve into obscurity.
With Chris Evans appearing to close the door on his time at Marvel, it makes sense that any What If leads him on the sidelines.
While Evans probably won’t return, it’s been confirmed that Neal McDonough, who played Dum Dum Duggan, will be. It’s a bit of a wildcard, and could see him either as Bucky’s second in command or even taking up the Winter Soldier arc.
With McDonough on the original shortlist to be Captain America, he could be the super soldier too and keep Bucky in the shadows once more.