The Falcon & The Winter Soldier: 10 Biggest Takeaways From Episode One
4. Did The MCU Just Introduce Its Next Falcon?
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will of course focus on the two titular characters, but a running theme throughout will be the legacy of Steve Rogers and his shield. Both Sam and Bucky have carried the Captain America mantle in the comics, but since Steve handed the shield to the former in Endgame, it is widely believed that Falcon will make the transition to become the next man to take on the title.
This however, would leave a space open in the Avengers moving forward. There may be a new Cap, but who will replace Falcon?
The answer may have been revealed within the first few minutes of Falcon and the Winter Soldier, as the world was introduced to Joaquin Torres. In the comics, it is Joaquin who takes the Falcon mantle after Sam becomes Captain America, and this could very well be imitated by the MCU.
His story in the source material includes having his DNA spliced with that of Redwing, and while this would have to be changed for obvious reasons, the seeds have already been planted for the MCU's newest hero to emerge. Joaquin already has an established relationship with Sam, and is working in the Air Force, so it's not to outlandish to see him taking similar steps to his would be predecessor into the super hero world.