Joe Russo Confirms 'Captain America: Civil War' Is Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes "Love Story"

There is little doubt that one of the most compelling aspects of the Captain America movies is the relationship between childhood buddies Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). Although the two characters are portrayed as best friends, some fans still believe that Steve and Bucky (or "Stucky," as they are collectively referred to) are more than just BFFs and that Captain America: Civil War will finally see some progress in their story. Now, Joe Russo has just admitted that the third Captain America movie can be viewed as "a love story" between Cap and the Winter Soldier!

Russo recently spoke to Empire, where he spoke about the storyline involving "Stucky."

"What's fascinating about the Cap-Bucky story as well is it's a love story," Russo confirmed, adding that the relationship between the two characters have a long history.

"These are two guys who grew up together, and so they have that same emotional connection to each other as brothers would, and even more so because Bucky was all Steve had growing up," he said.

The Civil War co-director isn't the only one who appreciates the whole "Stucky" situation. Stan also addressed the issue, stating that he is aware of what most fans are hoping to see but also pointed out Steve and Bucky's history.

"I think it's easy and generalizing it to say that they're lovers, when you're forgetting that one has a lot of guilt because he swore to be the protector of the other, the father figure or older brother so to speak, and then left him behind," Stan said, adding that fans might be reading too much into Steve and Bucky's dynamic.

"I have no qualms with it but I think people like to see it much more as a love story than it actually is," he said.

But how does Stan view the relationship between Captain America and the Winter Soldier? "It's brotherhood to me," he declared.

Captain America: Civil War will premiere on May 6.