It's Showtime for Avengers: Infinity War

Jeremy with Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Barnes in the new Marvel sci-fi fantasy

The long-awaited Avengers: Infinity War arrives in theaters nationwide today. Already, it is on track to be one of the biggest money-makers in movie history.

The science-fiction fantasy from Marvel Studios picks up two years after the events of Captain America: Civil War. Iron Man, Thor, and the other Avengers must come together to prevent Thanos from destroying half the universe.

At a press conference in Beverly Hills, California, on April 22, I had the chance to talk with Sebastian Stan, who plays the role of Bucky Barnes. I also spoke with Winston Duke, who plays M’Baku, the leader of Wakanda’s mountain tribe, the Jabari.

The actors researched their characters, they said, by reading the Marvel comics on which the superheroes are based. The film ties together plot lines from a decade of Marvel blockbusters, including Black Panther.

“M’Baku has an entire life outside of Wakanda,” Duke observed. “He starts a villains-for-hire team, he’s part of a major team that goes against the Avengers, and he enjoys coconut ice cream.”

Jeremy with Black Panther star Winston Duke, who plays M'Baku in Avengers: Infinity War

THE EVOLUTION OF BUCKY

Stan talked about the evolution of Bucky, whose full name is James Buchanan Barnes. In the comic-book universe, his troubles date back to the 1940s, when he enlisted in the war.

“Whatever choices he made then, he’s just doing his best, trying to start over,” Stan said. “That’s a very relatable thing. It’s human.” 

With a new beginning in the mythical kingdom of Wakanda, Bucky gets to show another side of himself, uniting with the Avengers to defeat Thanos. 

“It’s about cultivating new relationships and a sense of place and family in Wakanda that he didn’t have before,” Stan said.

“ALONG FOR THE RIDE”

Infinity War, which is the third movie in the Avengers series, is unlike any previous Marvel production. With a large, diverse cast and generations of superheroes, it is one of the most ambitious and expensive movies ever made, with an estimated cost of $300 million. 

Wakanda, which rose to prominence in Black Panther, has become a global symbol of hope and strength. “It shows that no matter what baggage or pain we carry from our past,” Duke said, “we can still be whole and unified and have a future where we embody power.”

For Stan, playing a role in the Marvel blockbuster “was a surreal experience.” 

“You’re part of something very special that has never happened before,” the actor said. “It’s pretty wild. You’re kind of along for the ride.”