Marvel Phase 4 Unveils the Surprising Replacement for Bucky Barnes in Captain America 4

Captain America: Brave New World will explore Sam Wilson’s Captain America with his sidekick – a Bucky Barnes replacement that debuted in Phase 4.

Reminiscent of Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes’ friendship, the MCU has already set up Sam Wilson’s new partner going into Captain America: Brave New World. Steve’s time as Captain America came to an end in Avengers: Endgame, and he chose Sam Wilson to carry his shield and continue his legacy. Known as one of Steve’s right-hand men under the moniker Falcon, The Falcon And The Winter Soldier solidified Sam as the MCU’s new Captain America.

With his new identity, Captain America: Brave New World will be Sam’s first big test as Captain America. Since Steve’s retirement, Sam still had Bucky to depend on. However, Bucky’s MCU future is now going to be focused on the Thunderbolts, as Sebastian Stan isn’t slated to appear in Brave New World at the moment. It’ll be a bittersweet moment for Sam to part ways with them, but the MCU has already set up Sam’s new partner and Captain America’s right-hand man.

Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres Is The Bucky Barnes To Sam Wilson’s Captain America

Air Force Lieutenant Joaquin Torres was introduced in The Falcon And The Winter Soldier as a friend of Sam’s. They were shown to already have a good working relationship, as Joaquin aided Sam with a kidnapping and then provided intel for him as the series went on. Though Joaquin only had a supporting role in the show, it’s already been established that he’ll have a bigger role in the future MCU. Sam left Joaquin with the EXO-7 Falcon suit, and Danny Ramirez is slated to appear in Captain America: Brave New World, so Joaquin’s new Falcon identity will be explored.

Sam and Joaquin already draw some parallels to Steve and Bucky’s friendship. Since Captain America: The First Avenger, Bucky has been loyal to his best friend, even in situations where it puts him in danger. Joaquin has already done the same for Sam as he went to Switzerland on his own to investigate the Flag Smashers, even if it was a dangerous task. Brave New World should expand on the fun yet productive dynamic that Sam and Joaquin have, and having Joaquin debut as the Falcon to Sam’s Captain America pays homage to the MCU’s beloved Steve and Bucky friendship.

Why Captain America’s Right-Hand Is Such An Important Role In The Series

Steve and Bucky’s deep friendship was arguably the central core of the Captain America trilogy. Bucky’s presence was always a reminder of Steve’s roots and the key to humanizing Captain America beyond a simple do-good superhero. The Falcon And The Winter Soldier already previewed how taking the Captain America mantle will be a challenge for Sam, so having a friend and right hand like Joaquin who can keep him grounded is incredibly important. Joaquin fulfills the Captain America sidekick position that Bucky made so important in the original trilogy.

Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres was always destined for bigger things than his supporting role in The Falcon And The Winter Soldier. The series ended with Sam officially taking the Captain America mantle, but it also set up Joaquin taking up the Falcon role. Captain America’s sidekick became a key role thanks to Bucky Barnes’ importance to Steve Rogers, so setting up Joaquin as Sam’s sidekick should be a great influence on the character. This new Captain America and Falcon dynamic that will be explored in Captain America: Brave New World will surely help lead the future MCU.