Beyond Bucky: 7 Shocking New Roles That Prove Sebastian Stan's Unmatched Acting Range (2025-2026)

Sebastian Stan, the Romanian-born American actor who cemented his legacy as the stoic and conflicted Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is currently in the midst of a career-defining transformation, with a slate of projects that promises to shatter his established persona. As of this current date, December 15, 2025, Stan's upcoming filmography is a tapestry of high-profile political drama, gritty independent cinema, and major studio blockbusters, showcasing an unparalleled commitment to challenging, diverse roles.

The buzz surrounding his latest casting announcements is centered on his dramatic shift into controversial and complex characters, completely stepping "Beyond Bucky" to prove his true acting range. From playing an infamous political figure to reuniting with a former co-star for a new horror film, Stan’s next few years are packed with must-see releases that will solidify his status as one of Hollywood's most versatile leading men.

Sebastian Stan: Full Biography Profile

Sebastian Stan is a Romanian-born American actor known globally for his long-running role as Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His career has been marked by a blend of blockbuster franchises and critically acclaimed independent features, demonstrating a significant emotional and physical range.

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• Full Name: Sebastian Stan
• Date of Birth: August 13, 1982
• Place of Birth: Constanța, Romania
• Nationality: Romanian-American
• Early Life: Moved to Vienna, Austria, at age eight, and then to Rockland County, New York, at age 12.
• Education: Attended the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.
• Breakout Roles: Carter Baizen in Gossip Girl, Prince Jack Benjamin in Kings, and his first appearance as Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011).
• Major Career Milestones: Portraying Tommy Lee in the miniseries Pam & Tommy (2022), which earned him critical praise and an Emmy nomination, and starring in the psychological thriller Fresh (2022).

The Shocking Transformations: Sebastian Stan's Most Anticipated Non-Marvel Roles

Stan’s commitment to embodying wildly different characters is the defining feature of his current career trajectory. His upcoming cast list includes some of the most challenging roles of his career, moving far beyond the familiar territory of the MCU’s super-soldier. These projects, spanning 2024 through 2026, are a clear statement about his ambition and versatility.

1. Playing a Young Donald Trump in 'The Apprentice' (2024)

Arguably his most controversial and high-profile role, Stan is cast as a young Donald Trump in the biographical drama, The Apprentice. The film, directed by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, focuses on the early years of the future U.S. President, exploring his relationship with the notorious lawyer and political operative Roy Cohn.

• Role: Young Donald Trump
• Co-Star: Jeremy Strong (as Roy Cohn)
• Director: Ali Abbasi
• The Buzz: The film debuted at the Cannes Film Festival to significant attention, with critics praising Stan’s physical and vocal transformation into the ambitious real estate mogul. This performance is widely tipped to be a major awards contender.

2. The Horror Reunion: 'Let The Evil Go West' (TBA)

Stan is set to reunite with his Pam & Tommy co-star, Lily James, for the horror-thriller film Let The Evil Go West. Directed by Christian Tafdrup, known for the chilling film Speak No Evil, the project sees Stan and James play a married couple who find an evil presence has attached itself to their family.

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• Role: Lead (Married Couple)
• Co-Star: Lily James
• Director: Christian Tafdrup
• Extra Detail: Stan is also credited as an Executive Producer on the film, indicating a deeper creative involvement in the project's direction.

3. Romanian Roots: 'Fjord' (2026)

In a powerful nod to his heritage, Stan is starring in the drama Fjord, directed by the Palme d'Or winner, Romanian auteur Cristian Mungiu. The film, which is currently in post-production, features Stan as a character named Mihai, opposite Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve (known for The Worst Person in the World). This project signals Stan's commitment to working with acclaimed international directors.

• Role: Mihai
• Co-Star: Renate Reinsve
• Director: Cristian Mungiu
• Release Status: Post-production, anticipated for a 2026 release.

4. The Classic Adaptation: 'A View From the Bridge' (TBA)

Stan is taking on a role in the film adaptation of Arthur Miller's classic play, A View From the Bridge. He is cast as the Italian immigrant cousin who captures the eye of the protagonist's niece. The project features a stellar ensemble cast, including Vera Farmiga, Anthony LaPaglia, and Sam Neill.

• Playwright: Arthur Miller
• Co-Stars: Vera Farmiga, Anthony LaPaglia, Sam Neill, Mia Wasikowska
• Screenplay: Andrew Bovell

5. Another Romanian Collaboration: 'Frankenstein in Romania' (TBA)

Continuing his trend of working with Romanian filmmakers, Stan is set to headline a new take on the Frankenstein story, titled Frankenstein in Romania, directed by Radu Jude. Jude, a critically acclaimed auteur, is known for his unique and provocative cinematic style, suggesting this will be far from a traditional monster movie.

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The MCU Future: Bucky Barnes' Confirmed Castings (2025-2026)

Despite his flourishing independent career, Sebastian Stan remains a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His character, Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, has evolved from a brainwashed assassin to a hero finding his place, and he is confirmed to be part of the cast for two massive upcoming MCU team-up films.

6. The Anti-Hero Team-Up: 'Thunderbolts*' (2025)

The next major appearance for Stan’s Bucky Barnes is in the film Thunderbolts*, which is slated for release in 2025. This project gathers a team of reformed villains and anti-heroes for a high-stakes mission. Stan’s character is expected to serve as a key leader or moral center for this rag-tag group.

• Role: Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier
• Key Co-Stars: Anthony Mackie (as Captain America), Vanessa Kirby (as Yelena Belova), Paul Rudd (as Ant-Man), Wyatt Russell (as U.S. Agent), and Tenoch Huerta (as Namor).
• Release Date: Expected May 2025.

7. The Multiverse Event: 'Avengers: Doomsday' (2026)

Sebastian Stan is also confirmed to be part of the massive ensemble cast for Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for 2026. This film is anticipated to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the decade, potentially bringing together the Avengers, New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men. His inclusion as Bucky Barnes ensures the character remains integral to the MCU's long-term narrative.

• Role: Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier
• Scope: Expected to be a major crossover event.
• Release Date: Expected 2026.

The Topical Authority: Sebastian Stan's Versatility and Future Legacy

Sebastian Stan's choice of roles—from the politically charged biopic The Apprentice to the arthouse drama Fjord and the mainstream spectacle of Thunderbolts*—highlights his unique position in Hollywood. He is one of the few actors who can seamlessly transition between a massive Marvel franchise and critically demanding independent cinema. This strategic casting demonstrates his desire to be known for his acting range and transformative abilities, rather than being typecast as the Winter Soldier.

The projects beyond Marvel are especially significant. Working with directors like Ali Abbasi and Cristian Mungiu, both known for their challenging and uncompromising artistic visions, allows Stan to explore profound and complex human psychologies. His portrayal of the young Donald Trump, in particular, is a bold move that demands a complete transformation—both physical and psychological—and is already earning him comparisons to other actors known for deep character work.

His upcoming slate confirms that the actor is actively shaping a legacy defined by versatility and risk-taking. Whether he is wielding a vibranium arm as Bucky Barnes or capturing the essence of a controversial figure like Donald Trump, Sebastian Stan's presence in a cast list is now a guarantee of a performance that will be discussed, debated, and remembered. Fans of his work in I, Tonya and Pam & Tommy will recognize this pattern of choosing roles that push boundaries and challenge audience expectations, making his 2025 and 2026 filmography the most exciting of his career.