Avengers 4: 8 Clues For What Happens Next

8. Foreshadowing Bucky Barnes' Fate

The trials and tribulations of Bucky Barnes have fast become one of the MCU's most interesting, with Sebastian Stan's character endearing himself to the Marvel faithful curtesy of his relationship with fellow man out of time, Steve Rogers.

Bucky and Steve (or Stucky, as they tend to go by these days), are two men intrinsically linked to the Captain America identity too. When Rogers passed on in the comics, it was Bucky who took on the mantle and wielded the shield himself, fashioning his own legacy as the star spangled man (with a plan) that differed to Steve's own. While we can't expect a direct adaptation of that particular arc, it's fair to say that Marvel have been foreshadowing a passing of the torch for years now, dating all the way back to Captain America: The First Avenger.

Though Buck's current dust-like state would also seemingly through a spanner into this theory, it's highly likely that he, along with Spider-Man, Black Panther and the other victims of Thanos' snap, will return in the next film. Given Infinity War's discussions surrounding sacrifice, it's also likely that one will come into play in order for them to be resurrected; Steve Rogers - a man who literally through himself onto a grenade in basic training - isn't likely to be averse to such a bargain.

It's a move that opens up the door for a new Captain America, even if fans aren't quite ready to accept it just yet.