The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is just over two weeks away from the release of its first episode. At long last, we’ll be getting to see how the legacy of Captain America will be addressed. We’ll also get a greater look at America post-Blip, which we haven’t seen yet (Spider-Man: Far From Home only showed New York a few times). We’ve only gotten glimpses of what the country looks like after everyone returned after Thanos’s snap was reversed courtesy of WandaVision.
So, what can we expect from this series focusing on two of Cap’s dearest friends? Let’s dive into some Falcon and the Winter Soldier theories!
** POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD**
Now, everything that follows will be pure speculation. But if any of these theories are correct, best steer clear of this post until you watch Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
We’ll get to see how society reacted to Steve’s actions during Captain America: Civil War
Since news and trailers have shown the government will install their version of Captain America, it’s clear Steve’s last actions had a lasting impact. He opposed the Accords, broke his fellow Avengers out of prison, and went on the run. Tie-in comics revealed he continued to do good, but in secret across the world. It’s evident then that he pretty much ruined his status as Captain America (although in Avengers: Endgame, he wore the suit again, I always felt Steve took on the mantle to embody an ideal, not necessarily to serve the government).
It’s no surprise then to see a rally taking place to launch the next Captain America. It also seems the government’s actions have plenty of support, clear by the multitude in the stadium cheering as U.S. Agent runs onto the field. That could mean then that society at large had lost faith in Steve Rogers. It also means they don’t approve of his choice in handing over the mantle to Sam Wilson. The Falcon will have a tough time living up to the name of Captain America is one of my main Falcon and the Winter Soldier theories.
Sam might become Captain America by the end of the season
With all the marketing going on around the series, it’s obvious Sam will take on the identity of Captain America by the time the (first) season of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier ends. Merchandise has confirmed it and later trailers have shown Sam using the shield in battle. But to make it interesting, we’ll get to see the walls Falcon will have to break down to claim the mantle.
What if Bucky becomes Captain America instead?
We might also see Sam try to talk Bucky into assuming the role during the season. Since the Winter Soldier will be getting back in action, his previous combat experience as an elite assassin might make Falcon tempted enough to ask him. But that remains to be seen. Many fans have rightly pointed out that Bucky has endured so much trauma and wouldn’t want to assume the role. It’s a surprise to see him in action again. Perhaps he had enough time to emotionally heal after the events of Avengers: Endgame. In terms of physical requirements, he seems an ideal candidate. But one of my major Falcon and the Winter Soldier theories is that the former assassin would need to prove himself, and might still not want the mantle. In the comics, while he did assume the Captain America identity, he seemed relieved to give it back to Steve (if you haven’t read the comics, leave me a comment and I’ll perhaps write a post about the times Steve gave up the shield and eventually took it back!).
U.S. Agent will become one of the good guys
Hear me out before you decide to skip this section. While we have seen the MCU do major changes to characters connected with Captain America (also information which can make up another blog post), there are little connections.
The movies changed Bucky from a boy following Captain America’s exploits to his best friend, which I didn’t mind at all. Falcon’s life as a criminal never was shown in the movies, but perhaps that will be addressed in the series.
In the comics, Jonathan Walker (U.S. Agent) started as an antagonist to Steve. When he became Captain America, he did things the previous character would never do. He was more violent and less humane, which led to clashes between him and Steve. Eventually, rogue agents within the government order Walker to do certain acts, like torture, which he was not comfortable with. He later realised his version of Captain America was inspiring fear, and after a later fight between him and the Red Skull (in which Steve intervenes and assists), U.S. Agent is ordered by the government to give back the identity, to which he gladly obeys.
Here’s where I introduce another of my Falcon and the Winter Soldier theories. Without Steve in the case of the series, it might be that the government will take a harder stance before letting Sam take over as Captain America. Perhaps through his activities, Walker will see how the government forces him to taint the image of the mantle. He might become disgusted with such methods. Also, confrontations between him and Sam might inform him more of Steve’s legacy. If such events happen in the series, he may decide to give Sam the shield and identity and adopt the moniker of U.S. Agent.
Time will tell though if he gets to join the Avengers (which he did briefly in the comics).
Zemo may end up creating a new terrorist organisation
Helmut Zemo in the MCU is not like his comic counterpart. The current Zemo in the comics is a descendant of one of Captain America’s original enemies during World War II and a leading member of Hydra.
In the MCU, Zemo has no love for Hydra, clearly depicted when he tortured a former Hydra member for information. This version of Zemo had a grudge to settle with the Avengers, which he was successful in achieving, unlike most MCU villains. In the latest trailers, he proclaims that “superheroes, should not exist”. His hatred of the Avengers seems to have evolved into one for anyone who follows a similar lifestyle.
If he’s now out to eradicate all superheroes, he probably won’t do it alone. This is why one of my Falcon and the Winter Soldier theories says he might create a terrorist organisation to take out Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
War Machine will play a small part
Less than a month ago, Marvel Studios announced that Don Cheadle would reprise his role as Colonel James Rhodes/War Machine for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. But footage for the show still hasn’t revealed him and the show will probably focus mostly on Sam and Bucky. Although, the trailer scene showing Sam handling some hi-tech case (which is probably his new wings). It could be that he got that because of War Machine.
Rhodey might also be one of those who support Steve’s decision in naming Sam as his successor. As a military man, he would be able to understand Sam’s point of view. Falcon may end up needing a few pushes to help him decide to take on the role of Captain America.
One of the most probable Falcon and the Winter Soldier theories is that War Machine’s inclusion might also mean that the series may set up Armor Wars in some way, perhaps in a mid- or post-credit scene at the end of the season.
Will Sharon Carter join the team that Bucky and Sam created?
In the comics, Sharon was romantically involved with Cap and joined him on many adventures. She also was included in teams he formed. She additionally helped Steve with tactical decisions and battle strategies.
With Steve out of the picture, Sharon has no romantic attachment that may cause her to join whatever Falcon and Winter Soldier are forming. But trailers have shown her in one scene interacting with the two. Previously she assisted Cap behind the scenes in Captain America: Civil War. She may have done this because she had feelings for Steve, but I also felt that she did because she clearly showed support early on for Captain America in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, well before he revealed the existence of Hydra within S.H.I.E.L.D.
Since she’s affiliated herself with the mindset of Captain America, and because her actions during the final Captain America sequel led to her going on the run, that might be why she will assist Sam and Bucky with their investigations and battles. One of my Falcon and the Winter Soldier theories suggests she could continue to join their efforts and form part of their team. Perhaps even become an Avenger? I might be reaching there.
So, those are some of my top Falcon and the Winter Soldier theories. How do you think the much anticipated Marvel TV show in Disney+ will turn out? Let me know in the comments!
MCD 