We’re just days away from the premiere of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier on Disney+, the next show from Marvel Studios after the hugely successful WandaVision. Though there have been plenty of theories about the troubles our protagonists will be getting up to through each episode, we still don’t know many concrete details. However, one thing that audiences will certainly see is Falcon, or Sam Wilson as he’s known in civilian life, grappling with being passed the torch of Captain America.
One of the most memorable scenes from 2019’s Avengers Endgame was old Steve Rogers showing up out of nowhere to say goodbye to his two closest friends, Sam and Bucky Barnes. Having lived out the remainder of his years in the past with his true love, Peggy Carter, Steve decided it was time to pass on the mantle of the shield, and he chose Sam. It was a tender moment in an action-packed summer blockbuster and one that would also have consequences for most of Marvel’s future movies.
This past weekend, Anthony Mackie, the actor who portrays Sam Wilson, spoke at a press conference to promote The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and he touched on this very subject. As Mackie explains:
Sam’s whole thing is he went on this journey, this Avenger journey, over 6 movies with Steve because of his respect and admiration for Steve. He says when Captain America shows up at your door, you answer. That being said, it’s the pain, the idea of not being able to go on these missions, not being able to help his friend.
He also acknowledges that part of Captain America’s popularity, both diegetically and non-diegetically, was Steve Rogers himself.
There’s still people out there that still appreciate comradery and friendship… just like everybody else, you don’t want to see Steve Rogers go away… just like he was your Cap, Steve Rogers was Sam Wilson’s Cap. That’s why he says at the end of Endgame, ‘It feels like it’s someone else’s.’ He’s a fan just like everyone else… Sam is just a regular guy who won the lottery when Black Widow knocked on his door and he fell in love and was hoping to have a spinoff with Black Widow.
What Mackie is saying here is that, as a fan of Steve Rogers the man, Wilson doesn’t want to do anything to tarnish the reputation of Captain America. So many Americans, Wilson included, held Rogers to such a high standard in how he never wavered from his ideals. Wilson doesn’t believe he has that same unwavering belief in himself, and his acceptance of the shield means he needs to get past that. It’s a great character detail to explore, and one that I’m sure Marvel will handle properly.
The Falcon and the Winter Solder premieres on Disney+ on March 19.
