Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) has undergone one of the most dramatic character arcs of anyone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, going from fighting Hydra with Captain America to fighting Captain America with Hydra and finally living his life on the run as a wanted fugitive. He has been seeking to escape from his troubled past as the Winter Soldier and finally obtains some peace when Shuri removes Hydra's programming from his head at the end of Black Panther.
Now, in a clever callback to his first film appearance, Bucky may be seeking to embrace part of his past as he positions himself on the frontlines in Wakanda with a costume that draws many parallels to the one he wore as a member of the Howling Commandos on the frontlines of WWII in Captain America: The First Avenger. Both outfits have a brown/blue color scheme, with brown pants and boots contrasting with a navy blue jacket that is buttoned asymmetrically. Of course there are some slight differences but it is obvious to see where the inspiration for Bucky's new costume comes from. This reference is a nice little easter egg to the fans of the MCU and perhaps serves as an indication of Bucky hoping to embody the soldier that he represented all those years ago when he last fought in a war alongside his friend Steve Rogers.
Check out the comparison below between Bucky's First Avenger and Infinity War costumes. Do you think that this is a clever callback for the character? Are you excited to see Bucky return with a new arm for the next part of his journey in Avengers: Infinity War? Be sure to leave your thoughts below!