The Falcon and The Winter Soldier showrunner Malcolm Spellman knows the idea of featuring the first Black Captain America is a huge opportunity. The end of Avengers: Endgame changed the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future in several ways. One of them came with Steve Rogers deciding to grow old with Peggy Carter in an alternate timeline and return to pass the Captain America shield to Sam Wilson. This moment immediately signaled to viewers that Falcon is the MCU’s future Captain America.
Sam becoming Captain America won’t happen right away in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier though. Despite the set-up from Avengers: Endgame, all indications point to Falcon turning down the Captain America title or having it taken from him when the Disney+ show begins. However, it is widely expected that Sam will be Captain America by the series’ end, especially based on several toys featuring Falcon’s new Cap-inspired suit. Sam taking over the Captain America mantle will be big for his MCU future, but The Falcon and The Winter Soldier‘s showrunner also knew how important of an opportunity it was for the show.
Ahead of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier‘s release on Disney+ on March 19, showrunner Malcolm Spellman spoke to EW about the series. The discussion included the topic of what it means for Sam Wilson to possibly become the new Captain America. Spellman leaves some uncertainty about whether or not Sam will ultimately take on the mantle, but it doesn’t sound like he shied away from the idea of a Black man becoming the face of America. He said, “The idea of whether or not a Black man could become Captain America just felt like a huge moment and a huge opportunity.”
After having Steve Rogers as Captain America, it appears that something will stop Sam from immediately stepping into his shoes. There have been reports that the U.S. government will step in and prevent Sam from becoming Captain America, and there’s a chance that the decision could be racially motivated at the end of the day. It is clear John Walker – another white and blonde-haired military member – will take on the mantle at some point. But, with The Falcon and The Winter Soldier also rumored to include Isaiah Bradley, the first Black Captain America in the comics, Sam could learn about the hidden history of Black men in the super-soldier programs.
With Spellman indicating The Falcon and The Winter Soldier won’t shy away from more serious topics involving Black people in America, the Disney+ show could deliver a story much deeper than the marketing has indicated. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’s trailers have focused heavily on the action and buddy-cop dynamic between Sam and Bucky. But if race is a large part of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier‘s story, then it could surprise audiences with some important and necessary discussions about the state of America.
Source: EW
Originally from https://screenrant.com/falcon-winter-soldier-black-captain-america-opportunity/