While it's no surprise, given the hanging plot threads and post-credits teasing, that Winter Soldier Bucky Barnes might continue to be a presence in Captain America 3, co-director Anthony Russo has once more confirmed his immediately ongoing presence. He's also provided some musings on the issues that are currently energising the production team.
"Is the Winter Soldier the world’s most dangerous assassin that’s ever lived or the world’s longest serving P.O.W.?” Russo asked MTV. “Is he responsible for his actions since he was turned into the Winter Soldier, or is he innocent by reason of insanity? Where does this character live now? Is he ever going to be acceptable again to Cap in the way he once was, before he was the Winter Soldier? Those are the really complicated relationship questions and philosophical questions and emotional questions that intrigued us moving forward.”
Plot specifics are, unsurprisingly, unforthcoming at the moment, so it's unclear how big a part those issues will play in the threequel. But they are, Russo says, "definitely one layer". He won't be drawn on Jeremy Renner's recent teasing that Hawkeye might be significantly involved, but tells movies.com "We just got another incredible draft from the writers [Christopher Marcus and Stephen McFeely, as last time] and are very excited about the film. I can't divulge who is going to be in it, but I think the fans are going to freak out when they hear about it."
Captain America 3 - subtitle to be added later - apparently picks up a couple of years after the most recent film, giving Steve Rogers time to reunite with his Avengers pals and battle Ultron, and Anthony and Joe Russo the opportunity to bring Agent Carter to TV. We'll see Hayley Atwell's spy first in January 2015, followed by Avengers: Age Of Ultron on April 24. Cap 3 arrives on May 6, 2016.