We can smell the proto-adamantium already. Hot on the heels of the 'WandaVision' finale just a couple of weeks ago, we're already tuning in to the next entry in the MCU series, where we're likely going to find out the answer to our burning question... Who will be picking up the mantle of Captain America?
The six-part series 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' begins streaming on Disney+ from today, Friday, March 19. Here's every reason why you should be tuning in.
Sam and Bucky are back
Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, are breaking out of the mould and heading up their very own Marvel series. Both are placed front and centre for the first time (except for that time Bucky was wreaking havoc as a brainwashed assassin, but we'll forgive him for that), where the two butting-head superheroes will be embarking on a global adventure as they attempt to get over their differences, and join forces to take on an arch-nemesis from their past.
While they are both fighting for the same side, Sam and Bucky never seemed to get along all that well in the 'Avengers' movies. This ego trip will likely take up the brunt of the storyline at the beginning of the series, as the pair try to get along like good lil' superheroes should.
The series continues the 'Avengers: Endgame' storyline
Now, last time we saw Sam and Bucky on our screens, we were after watching the mammoth conclusion to 'Avengers: Endgame'. After the battle died down and the good guys won (RIP Tony), we later find out that Steve Rogers AKA Captain America travelled back in time to 1945 where he lived out his life with his love, Peggy Rogers.
Given that Cap is now a very elderly man in the current year (2023), his iconic shield will be passed onto the next superhero waiting on the sidelines. While yes, Cap did pass his shield onto Sam at the end of 'Endgame', it seems that 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' will explore this storyline further. Is Sam ready to take on the mantle of Captain America? Or does he wish to remain as The Falcon, passing the shield onto Bucky?
There will be some cameo appearances too
With the world now having a retired Captain America, everything has gone a bit topsy-turvy. From what we can see in the trailer, there's an uprising on the horizon, marking the devilish return of Daniel Brühl as Helmut Zemo, who we haven't seen since 'Captain America: Civil War'. His scheme of attempting to tear the Avengers apart didn't go so well for him, with him eventually being captured. How did he manage to escape?
In order to help stop his reign of terror, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier are going to need some extra help. Enter Emily VanCamp, who will return to the MCU as Sharon Carter, the great-niece of Peggy Carter. Similar to Zemo, Carter hasn't been seen on screen since 'Civil War', except for a minor reference during 'Avengers: Endgame'.
Another Avenger who is going to be making an appearance somewhere along the way will be Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes. Don Cheadle confirmed earlier this year that War Machine pops up in the series, but in what capacity still remains a mystery.
Given that this is the MCU after all, we can expect at least one or two surprise cameos along the way too.
There's a new character too
Wyatt Russell will be making his MCU debut in 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' as John Walker. The inclusion of this character is one that we find very intriguing as, in the comics, Walker eventually gets passed down Captain America's trademark shield. After Steve Rogers was dismissed from the role, the US agent stepped in to take over.
However, Walker was originally a supervillain when he first burst onto the scene, which is likely going to be where this series will begin with the character. You can briefly see him in the trailer, running out onto the football field in a similar outfit to Captain America.
You can start watching from today
The first episode of the six-episode series lands on Disney+ from today, March 19. Just like 'WandaVision' before it, there will be a new episode dropping on the streaming service each week thereafter, culminating with the finale on April 23.
Anything else?
It's not known yet if 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' follows directly after 'Avengers: Endgame', or if there is a gap in the timeline between the movie and this series. It could even be happening at the same time as 'WandaVision' plays out, but we have no idea.
We'll just have to tune in to find out. Here's the trailer.
'The Falcon and the Winter Solider' is now streaming exclusively on Disney+.
