Sam Wilson was the only Marvel hero who could have carried on the mantle of Captain America, despite Bucky Barnes’ numerous heroic qualities. One of the most significant changes in the MCU timeline came at the end of Avengers: Endgame when Steve Rogers retired and handed his shield to Sam Wilson. While some speculated that Bucky Barnes, Steve’s oldest friend and fellow super soldier, should have assumed the role, it was always clear that Sam was the true successor. Captain America: Brave New World has only reinforced why Sam Wilson was always meant to carry the shield.

Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes have one of the deepest and longest-lasting friendships in the MCU. However, their paths diverged drastically. Bucky was captured, brainwashed, and turned into the Winter Soldier, while Steve became the world’s first super soldier and a symbol of hope. Even after Bucky was freed from his programming, he remained a haunted figure, struggling to find his place in the world. Meanwhile, Sam Wilson emerged as a steadfast ally to Steve and proved his unwavering commitment to doing what is right.

Captain America Retired, But Knew Earth Needed His Symbol

Captain America Is As Much A Symbol As A Hero

Steve Rogers’ decision to step away from his role as Captain America was not made lightly. He fought in multiple wars, led the Avengers through universe-defining battles, and ultimately chose to live out a peaceful life in an alternate timeline. However, Steve knew that the world still needed Captain America – not just as a warrior, but as a symbol of resilience, hope, and moral clarity.

It’s important to note that Steve didn’t simply choose a replacement based on physical abilities. While both Sam and Bucky were exceptional fighters, the role of Captain America required something deeper. The world needed someone who could represent the ideals Steve stood for. More than just a soldier, Captain America had to be a leader, an inspiration, and someone who could unite people rather than simply fight enemies. Sam Wilson embodied all of those qualities.

Sam Wilson Proved Himself To Steve Subtly

Sam Wilson Proved Himself To Be The Next Captain America

Sam Wilson’s journey throughout the MCU exemplifies why he was the right choice for Captain America. His military background as a pararescue specialist gave him firsthand experience in combat, but it was his work helping PTSD-afflicted veterans that set him apart. Sam wasn’t just a fighter – he was a healer, a mentor, and someone who understood the importance of guiding people through their darkest moments.

This aspect of his character mirrors Steve’s own origins. Before he became Captain America, Steve Rogers was a scrawny kid who refused to back down from bullies. What made him worthy of the Super Soldier Serum was his resilience – his refusal to give up even when the odds were against him. Sam displayed this same trait repeatedly. He stepped up to fight even without enhanced abilities, proving that his courage and dedication came from within.

Whether it was going toe-to-toe with powerful foes or standing his ground against the Sokovia Accords, Sam consistently proved that he was willing to put himself in danger for the greater good. More importantly, he did it because he believed in something bigger than himself. That unwavering belief in justice and doing what is right was what made Steve see him as the ideal successor.

Brave New World Perfectly Explains Why Sam Is Captain America

Sam Wilson Boasts Different Strengths Than Steve Rogers

Image via Marvel Studios

Captain America: Brave New World further solidifies why Sam Wilson is the best choice for the role. In one of the film’s most significant moments, Bucky Barnes himself articulates what sets Sam apart: “Steve gave the world someone to believe in, you give them someone to aspire to.” This line highlights the key difference between Steve and Sam.

While Steve was a symbol of unwavering righteousness, Sam is a more grounded and human figure. He doesn’t have the benefit of the Super Soldier Serum, and that makes his fight even more significant. He represents the idea that anyone can be a hero – not just those who are enhanced.

Brave New World also introduces a world increasingly threatened by superpowered beings and cosmic forces. With so many larger-than-life figures shaping global events, people need a hero who reminds them of their own potential. Sam, as Captain America, is a man who has to work twice as hard to stand alongside gods and enhanced beings, and that struggle makes him more relatable. His humanity is his greatest strength, making him the perfect symbol for an era where people need to see themselves in their heroes.

Bucky’s New Team Is Way More Him

Bucky Is Part Of The Thunderbolts

While Sam stepping into the role of Captain America makes perfect sense, Bucky’s journey takes him in a different direction – one that better suits his own skills and experiences. As revealed in the Empire magazine issue from April 2025, Sebastian Stan discussed Bucky’s new team and why it makes more sense for his character. “There is something about this group that feels inherently familiar,” Stan explains. “And it’s interesting for him to be in a position where he could share some of the things he’s gone through.”

Bucky has always been a soldier, but unlike Steve, he was never meant to be a public icon. His experiences as the Winter Soldier left him with trauma and a need for redemption, but his path to healing is different from Steve’s or Sam’s. Rather than being the face of a nation, Bucky finds his place in a team of people who understand what it’s like to live in the shadows.

This is why Bucky leading or being a part of a team like the Thunderbolts makes far more sense than him taking on the mantle of Captain America. The Thunderbolts are a team of morally complex individuals, many of whom have been viewed as villains or antiheroes. Bucky’s presence among them allows him to use his experience to guide them while continuing his own journey of self-discovery. He can be a leader, but on his own terms, without the expectations that come with being Captain America.

Moreover, Bucky’s fighting style, tactical mind, and ability to operate in the gray areas of morality make him better suited for missions that require stealth, subterfuge, and strategic thinking. Unlike Steve or Sam, who thrive in the spotlight, Bucky’s strengths lie in working behind the scenes. Sam Wilson’s Captain America represents hope and the power of the everyday hero, while Bucky finds his purpose in leading those who have walked a darker path. This is why Sam Wilson was the perfect choice to become the next Cap in Captain America: Brave New World.