Sebastian Stan’s Hilarious Thunderbolts* Scene Was Never in the Script

Most viewers have already caught Thunderbolts* on Disney+, but there’s more to the movie than what’s on the screen. Marvel Studios recently shared a behind-the-scenes story about a standout moment involving Hannah John-Kamen and Sebastian Stan. In a scene where John-Kamen’s character refuses to return Bucky’s bionic arm, the entire exchange was completely improvised. The cast and crew found it so genuinely funny that it ended up staying in the movie.

Unscripted Comedy That Stole the Show

This accidental moment brought a realness and spontaneity that made it one of the film ’s most memorable bits. The natural humor struck a chord with audiences, proving that sometimes the best laughs aren’t planned at all.

Stan’s Reluctance to Embrace the Joke

Another scene that caught fans off guard featured Bucky putting his arm in a dishwasher. Unlike the unscripted arm gag, this was a deliberate move by director Jake Schreier. Initially, Sebastian Stan wasn’t on board. In an interview, the actor explained his hesitation:

I immediately said to Jake, ‘I don’t understand why this is funny. You do not need this. This is silly ‘But Jake was like, ‘But maybe you could be eating something and then it can just go everywhere.’ And I go, ‘Really? That’s what’s going to [happen]?’

After seeing the finished film, Stan admitted the scene worked perfectly, especially since Bucky is usually so stoic and serious in the Marvel universe. The unexpected humor gave the character a fresh twist.

Thunderbolts* Nails the Marvel Humor Formula

Fans have been vocal about the decline in humor across recent Marvel projects. Many felt that movies like Thor: Love and Thunder went too far, turning beloved heroes into punchlines. Others, like The Marvels, suffered from poorly timed jokes that fell flat and contributed to disappointing box office numbers.

Thunderbolts* may not have been a financial juggernaut, but viewers agreed that its humor felt earned and authentic. Every joke landed naturally, never undercutting the film’s more emotional moments. The comedic timing respected the story’s tone, drawing a clear line between lightheartedness and drama.

Thunderbolts* at a Glance

Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Lewis Pullman, and David Harbour. The film holds an impressive 88% critics score and 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a box office take of $382 million. Thunderbolts* is now streaming on Disney+ in the US.

Which Marvel movie do you think strikes the best balance between action and comedy? Share your thoughts below.