Sebastian Stan Defends Marvel Amid Backlash: “Don’t Criticize Without Offering Better”

The MCU veteran addresses Hollywood’s criticism of Marvel movies, highlighting their impact on the film industry and expressing hope for his character’s future.

Sebastian Stan is fed up with the backlash against Marvel films. The actor, who has portrayed Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011, recently shared his frustrations during an interview with GQ UK. He emphasized that Marvel, despite being a frequent target of criticism, is a company that pours immense heart and thought into its work.

“I’ve never been part of a company that cares so much,” Stan remarked. “If Marvel disappeared, it would leave a massive void. People shouldn’t just bash it without offering something better in return.”

Stan’s comments come after a tough year for Marvel, with 2023 releases like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels underperforming at the box office, the latter becoming Marvel’s lowest-grossing film ever. Critics, including top directors like Martin Scorsese, have accused Marvel of dominating the industry and sidelining smaller, more diverse films.

In a Variety interview last month, Stan acknowledged the criticisms but stood by the MCU’s significance. “It’s easy to take shots at Marvel, and that’s fine. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. But Marvel is a key player in the industry that supports smaller films too. It’s part of the lifeblood of Hollywood, contributing more than people realize.”

Stan admitted feeling protective of the MCU, adding, “The intention behind these films is genuine, and making good movies repeatedly is incredibly difficult.”

Marvel bounced back this summer with the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine, which raked in $1.3 billion worldwide, setting a new record for R-rated films. However, the studio has no more MCU films scheduled for release this year. Fans can expect Stan’s Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, to take center stage in next year’s highly anticipated Thunderbolts. Stan also expressed hope that his character would one day share the screen with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.

“I’d love to be in a scene with him,” Stan mused. “Is there anyone else who could pull off that character? Probably not. After Tropic Thunder, is there anything Downey can’t do?”