On February 11, 2013 Unleash the Fanboy revealed that there was a possibility that Robert Redford's Alexander Pierce "is actually a Red Skull possessed Aleksander Lukin." This has got me to thinking about the story for the sequel of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. As Captain America fans may recall there was a direct sequel to the Captain America: Winter Soldier comic book called Captain America: Red Menace.
In the comic Captain America is primarily trying to take down the Red Skull possessed Aleksander Lukin for what he did to his partner Bucky. While tackling this new enemy Cap is also trying to find the recently restored Bucky, after he had escaped from him in Captain America: Winter Soldier. All of this leads to Cap and Bucky teaming up for the first time in decades to take on a Sleeper unleashed by Lukin on the streets of London. Meanwhile, the Red Skull's daughter, Sin, becomes a threat again due to the efforts of Crossbones.
I think this is possibly the story that will be adapted in Captain America 3. This is because almost all the characters from the story are in place including Cap, Winter Soldier, Aleksander Lukin, and Crossbones. Even the Sleeper has been introduced in this universe through the video game Captain America: Super Soldier.
The only thing that is really missing is Sin. However, it is not out of the realm of possibility that she could be introduced, and it would make for some good flashback moments for the Red Skull. Or, Crossbones could train someone else instead of her. For example, he could possibly train Baron Helmut Zemo, and it be revealed through a flashback that Cap had fought Baron Heinrich Zemo in the war.
If I am right then what could this possibly mean for the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Well Captain America: Red Menace was the last Cap story before Steve died at the end of Civil War. While the Civil War is not happening in the movies, this could mean that Steve is destined to die at the hands of Thanos in Avengers 3. If the MCU is to continue after Avengers 3, then this could lead to Bucky getting his own series as a replacement Captain America.
Well that's all I've got for now. If you agree with me, or think I've gone batty feel free to tell me so in the usual place.