"Captain America: Civil War" left a lot of big questions regarding Steve Rogers fate as the titular hero and as a member of the Avengers. In the midst of speculations, Sebastian Stan's Instagram account may hold a major hint on what happens in future Marvel films.
Stan recently shared a photo of him on Instagram carrying a shield similar to that of Captain America, but it does not have his signature blue and red rings. Instead, it is a plain, shiny metal with a red star in the middle, which is clearly inspired by Bucky's metal arm. The caption states that the shield "will come in handy."
The shield was created by Casey McBroom. He isn't affiliated as Marvel's official prop designer or maker, but he is known for producing shields for cosplayers and fans who want replicas of film props.
It is still unclear if the Winter Soldier-designed shield is an official prop to be used in future Marvel films, particularly "Avengers: Infinity War." According to Geek, a source close to the "Captain America: Civil War" production said that Stan has been fitted for a Captain America costume, which makes Bucky a potential candidate to replace Chris Evan's Steve Rogers as Captain America.
Marvel President Kevin Feige previously said that it is possible to have a "Captain America" movie without Steve Rogers being the hero, given the character's story in the comic books. "I'm not saying we'll do it in the movie but I've read Captain America comics that don't have Steve Rogers in them," Feige told Collider.
Steve Rogers was not always Captain America. At some point in the comic books, the mantle was passed on to Sam Wilson, a.k.a Falcon and Bucky Barnes a.k.a Winter Soldier. Both characters have appeared in the "Captain America" films and are portrayed as Steve Rogers' closest friends and allies.
In response to the rumors about him taking over the Captain America mantle, Stan said, "I love the character that I have. It's up to a lot of different things, and whatever Marvel decides, I'm game."
Evans has done a really good job playing Captain America, but if the comics are to be followed it is inevitable that he has to pass down the baton to another character.