Summary:
- Bucky Barnes’ long hair is making a comeback in the upcoming MCU movie Thunderbolts, as revealed in a first-look at San Diego Comic-Con.
- This new haircut, longer than in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier but shorter than his Winter Soldier days, symbolizes his balanced acceptance of his complex identity.
The MCU experienced significant losses after Avengers: Endgame. Tony Stark sacrificed himself to save the world, Black Widow met a tragic end, and Steve Rogers vanished after traveling back in time.
However, one lesser-discussed change was Bucky Barnes’ drastic haircut. When Bucky (played by Sebastian Stan) reappeared in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, he had cut his hair short, a change that some believed symbolized his efforts to move past his identity as The Winter Soldier. But many fans felt it was an overcorrection.
Now, we have exciting news to share: in an exclusive Thunderbolts first-look at San Diego Comic-Con, Bucky Barnes’ long hair is back in the MCU. Cue the celebrations!
A New Look for Bucky in Thunderbolts
We don’t have an official image of Bucky Barnes’ Thunderbolts haircut to share yet, but we can describe it. It’s shorter than his Winter Soldier days but significantly longer than in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
His new haircut reaches past his ears to mid-neck, definitely falling into the long hair category. And we’re thrilled about it.
Welcoming Back Long-Haired Bucky
Analyzing the long vs. short hair debate, this new look suggests Bucky Barnes has come to terms with his complex identity. He’s no longer The Winter Soldier, but he’s also not just James Buchanan Barnes.
The short haircut felt like an attempt to reclaim a lost version of himself, while the fully grown-out look was never truly his choice. This new, long hair signifies a balance: “I can have long hair if I want because I know who I am.” It reflects a man who is neither entirely who he was nor who he was made to be.
Despite initial marketing images showing Bucky with short hair, we’re pleased to see this change. We missed his longer locks and are glad to see their return. Embracing the shades of grey in Bucky’s identity is what Thunderbolts will be all about. Thunderbolts hits theaters on May 2, 2025.
We’re just happy to welcome long-haired Bucky Barnes back. We really did not like that short haircut.
