This article contains spoilers from The Falcon and Winter Soldier episode one, Avengers: Endgame and Marvel comics.
When The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was first announced, the internet blew up with theories on who would take up Captain America’s mantle.
After Avengers: Endgame, Sam Wilson was the clear choice as Steve Rogers personally gave him the shield, but it’s not that simple. Sam never explicitly accepted. What’s more, various Marvel heroes took over the role in multiple comic book plotlines.
It is clear that the series will focus on the Captain America ‘brand’. Although the two titular characters, Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) are yet to cross paths, it is apparent they will carve out that legacy.
Who currently has the shield?
“Walker is not a saint. As the Super Patriot, he acted as the dark version of Captain America.”
The final scene of the episode ‘New World Order‘ names a brand new Captain America. While his identity has not been revealed in the series, he is a very prominent character from the comic books. Known as John Walker, the ex-soldier was recruited by the government to be a Captain America they could control. He has similar abilities to that of Steve Rogers.
With multiple alter egos, however, Walker is not a saint. As the Super Patriot, he acted as the dark version of Captain America. He became the U.S. Agent after the Commission of Superhuman Activities faked his death, altering his mind when he once again fought for his country. It is unclear which version the series will adopt but there is scope for the character to be an anti-hero.
Why Bucky probably won’t be Captain America…yet
In The Death of Captain America (Captain America (vol. 5) #25–42), Bucky Barnes accepts the role of Captain America after Tony Stark shows him a letter from Steve Rogers asking for his legacy to continue. The first issue in the bind-up caused waves within the Marvel fandom as because of the shocking twist of Rogers’ death, it became a mega-bestseller. Notable characters from the TV Series appear in this storyline, namely the Falcon and Sharon Carter.
Despite this, Bucky does not appear to be the frontrunner for the role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) just yet. Given his traumatic experience of acting as the Winter Soldier and brainwashing by the Red Skull, it is understandable why he’s not quite ready.
Zemo’s influence
“I don’t know how much we’ve seen of Bucky’s evolution, mentally, so far to really trust him with that kind of responsibility.”
We know that Zemo will appear in the series and so there may be other plans for Bucky. The villain has a history with the Winter Soldier after framing him for the events in the Civil War and turning him into an assassin in the films. This played out differently in the comics where Aleksander Lukin was to blame. It’s likely that the series will utilise that history and play out a revenge plot for Bucky.
During an MCM Comic-Con panel, Sebastian Stan confirmed that his character is not the right candidate.
“In a way, for me, Steve not giving him the shield was a way of setting him free and setting himself free. Both of these guys have been forever, in a way, tied to this duty since the fifties… Sam is a much more trust worthier character. I don’t know how much we’ve seen of Bucky’s evolution, mentally, so far to really trust him with that kind of responsibility.”
From the first episode, we now know that Bucky’s past crimes are haunting him. That is a strong reason to suspect that this is what the actor hinted at in the interview.
Referencing the differences in the MCU affecting character development, Stan went on to say that “In the comic books, Steve Rogers dies and that is actually something that really motivated the Bucky Barnes character to make sure to carry that on”
With no such event happening in the films, Wilson is the more logical choice.
The Falcon as Captain America
Sam Wilson’s comic book arc is one that most resembles the MCU. In one of the Marvel NOW! storylines, The Falcon became Captain America when Steve Rogers lost the Super-Soldier serum. Rogers also aged, which is exactly what occurred in Avengers: Endgame.
Where the plotlines appear to divert, is when Wilson did not have to work without the guidance of Rogers. In the All-New Captain America, the original Avenger stayed on as a supportive role. The Disney+ series, however, is unlikely to include any involvement. Rogers is mainly a fond memory.
Based on the pilot episode, the audience will learn more about Wilson’s past throughout the season. His family made an appearance along with an array of financial problems. Such circumstances feel like the start of a possible Captain America origin story. In the trailer, we also have confirmation that he will reunite with the shield but if he does ultimately accept the role, will he give up The Falcon suit? Comic book plotlines suggest that he will combine “Cap’s symbols and colors with his winged suit”. One of his first acts as Captain America was defeating Zumo, yet another reason why he’s probably taking over the role in the series.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is streaming weekly on Disney+
Olivia Gacka
Featured image courtesy of BagoGames via Flickr. Image license found here. No changes were made to the image.
Olivia Gacka
Olivia is a freelance writer and content creator. She is currently heading ThatFictionLife across all platforms, specialising in entertainment reporting, interviewing talent, book discussions and television commentary. At present, she is also a Brand Ambassador for Bonnier Books UK, working on book campaigns.