Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

After been introduced in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) has proved himself a worthy hero and a good friend to Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). Most of his time has been spent as the sidekick to Cap in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but with the Disney+ exclusive show, Falcon and The Winter Soldier this is expected to change. As we explore the past movies and how Sam Wilson has grown as a character, his loyalty to Cap is what makes him such a strong character in the MCU.

Captain America and Falcon:

On-running joke of Cap always being on the left of Sam is what started the friendship between the two heroes. This relationship the two have is important in understanding why Sam put his wings back on. During The Winter Soldier film it was Cap that needed Sam’s help, which is important to know because it has never been Sam needing the help of the established super soldier. What this meant was that there was never a feeling of Cap being better than Sam between the pair. The fact that Cap felt like Sam was his equal shows how Cap is a good man but it also shows the level of respect that they both have for each other.

Their relationship continues to develop as years go by. When Sam was promoted to be a member of the Avengers at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron it was clear this was a proud moment for him and the promotion was down to Cap. Once again it was clear that Sam had earned the trust and respect of the Avengers leader.

With the introduction of the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War, Sam once again proved his loyalty to Cap as he was by his side throughout. He was even willing to be arrested to help which showed how much Sam could be trusted by Cap. Even on the run, Sam sided with Cap and was part of his mini Avengers team which we saw during Avengers: Infinity War.

There is no question that Sam had proven himself to Cap, he was always there for him when help was needed which makes Sam such a likeable hero. There has also been a development of a friendship between The Winter Solider (Sebastian Stan) and Sam which know doubt will be developed on in the pairs Disney+ show.

Regaining his Confidence:

One of the reasons for Sam being the Avenger he grew to be is because of the confidence he has shown, a confidence which has developed since his reluctant brawl with Brock Rumlow (Frank Grillo). There is a massive difference from the Sam we see in The Winter Soldier compared to the badass Avenger in Civil War. Even in the bigger fights like the Battle of Wakanda, Sam was on the frontline risking his life. This growth in confidence can be down to the trust Cap placed with his friend.

Also, it’s important to remember the reason why Sam retired from the military. After serving 2 tours he lost his wingman which Sam describes to Cap. Not only is this sad but it explains why he didn’t begin his journey with the confidence we expect from the Falcon. The experience Sam had is something Cap knows all about and this is one of the reasons why the two of them bond. This also explains why Cap trusts Sam because he was willing to open up, further highlighted when Sam lead sessions with ex-military men who were struggling to adapt to normal life again, something that Cap has also experienced.

With Cap learning about Sam’s past, its clear Cap developed respect for him which is why he always trusted him. This trust and respect for Sam is the reason he gained his confidence which he will have lost after his time in the military. When Captain America needs your help it is a proud moment.

Passing on the Shield:

After Thanos was defeated, Captain America had one final mission of returning the Infinity Stones. However, after he achieved this Cap chose to live out the quiet life that he always wanted which meant he returned as an old man. We got to see the reunion between Sam and his idol which resulted in Cap passing on the iconic shield to Sam. Although at first he was reluctant to accept it, when he put the shield on the sense of pride that was on display was powerful.

With Sam receiving Cap’s shield, it was the moment where Sam was no longer in Cap’s shadow. Having supported his friend throughout every conflict they had gone through, Cap decided that Sam earned the shield. He received the shield in front of Bucky whom was Cap’s lifelong friend. This speaks volumes to the level of respect Cap had for Sam and the respect all fans gained for him across his appearances in the MCU.

What’s next?

With Falcon and The Winter Soldier set to release on March 19th everyone is wondering what the pair will encounter. From the trailers it seems like it won’t be as simple as Sam taking up the role of Captain America. That being said there is no doubt that everything Sam does next will be done trying to make Cap proud. Sam will want to repay the faith and trust that was shown to him, even more so as he was chosen in front of Bucky. We have no doubts that Sam will be a good replacement for Steve Rogers and we are looking forward to seeing Falcon don the shield of the first Avenger.

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Marvel Studios

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