Avengers 4’s Chris Evans Says Bucky is Steve Rogers’ “Home”

Avengers 4 star Chris Evans has commented on the importance of the relationship between Steve Rogers and his pal Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier. As Marvel fans know, the two Brooklyn natives were best friends at the time of World War II, and Steve uses his abilities as Captain America to rescue his friend from Hydra in The First Avenger. The follow-up, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, saw them at odds, but once again, Steve risked everything for his oldest friend.

Fans have observed the special relationship between the two heroes, which has spanned decades and encompasses many battles. Actors Evans and Sebastian Stan both returned for Captain America: Civil War, where their friendship was once again tested, and then worked together in the battle against Thanos. During press for Avengers: Infinity War, Stan discussed the special bond they share, saying, “Well, you know, it’s never gonna go away. That’s history. Your past doesn’t ever leave you. It’s more what you learn to do with it.”

Related: Sebastian Stan: Bucky Would Correct History If He Had the Infinity Gauntlet

Now, Evans himself is chiming in to support that notion. As reported by Comic Book, a fan at ACE Comic Con asked the actor what he felt it must have been like for Steve to see his best friend die twice, in The First Avenger and, more recently, in Avengers: Infinity War. Evans acknowledged that the relationship is “precious” to the character, adding that “it’s one of the few relationships he can identify as anything we could call home.”

From everything that’s happened in the MCU so far, it’s pretty clear that Steve will do anything to save his buddy. Theories regarding what will happen in Avengers 4 are numerous, and one of the most popular is that Steve will die in order to save those who disappeared when Thanos snapped his fingers, which includes Bucky. With the confirmation that Evans will be departing the franchise following the next Avengers film, one persistent theory is that Bucky, who currently goes by the moniker White Wolf, will take over as Captain America in his friend’s honor.

Friendships are a major component in the MCU, but it’s inevitable that they have to grow and change in order for the universe to continue. In addition to Evans, reports have circulated that Robert Downey Jr. will take his final bow as Iron Man (aka Tony Stark) in Avengers 4, and other characters could follow. In any case, though it will be exciting to see what comes next, however Cap and Bucky end up saying goodbye is bound to be devastating.

More: Captain America Fan Art Imagines if Bucky Takes Over for Steve Rogers