After 6 episodes, the second Marvel series on the Disney+ streaming service has also come to an end. Following WandaVision, the fourth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is continuing with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The two Avengers provide a spectacular show that resembles a true ‘superhero movie’. However the story spreads over six parts. This allows a detailed story and (re)introduction of multiple characters. A successful show that delivers exactly what you expect from Marvel: action!
The end of Avengers: Endgame also meant the end of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). He passed the iconic shield to one of his best friends, then traveled into the past to live his own life and returned as an old man. Steve Rogers left a void for his two best friends, Sam ‘Falcon’ Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky ‘The Winter Soldier’ Barnes (Sebastian Stan). But these two don’t get along very well, so they each go their separate ways.
What to do with the iconic Captain America shield? Falcon decides to donate it to a museum to preserve Steve Rogers’ legacy. However, the U.S. government has something else in mind and appoints soldier John Walker (Wyatt Russel) as the new Captain America.
Meanwhile, the ‘Flag Smashers’ are growing worldwide. Led by teenager Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman), the group uses the ‘super soldier serum’ to fight against the policies implemented now that everyone has returned from the five-year ‘blip’ caused by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. Half of the world’s population suddenly returned after five years and immediately demanded their old lives back. Odd, considering they were gone for five years and had no idea what happened.
The story continues to build up to a big climax in the last episode. All characters come together for a major battle in the center of New York City. The series is on par with a Marvel movie in terms of quality. The plot with the villains, Karli Morgenthau and the Flag Smashers, is not strong. Also, some predictable plot twists didn’t help strengthen the plot. However, to make up for this, the action scenes are brilliant. Also, fan-favorite Baron Zemo (Daniel Brühl) makes a return. A real fan-favorite! Especially his dance scene, to which Disney responded by releasing an hour-long version of dancing Zemo.
Marvel series on Disney+
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is the second series created by Marvel and Disney for the Disney+ streaming service, following the successful WandaVision. However, the two are entirely different series. While WandaVision took a fairly new path within the MCU by starting in a comedy format and later adding quite a bit of action, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier sticks to the standard Marvel Comics principle with lots of action. That’s exactly what The Falcon and The Winter Soldier‘s trailer showed during the Super Bowl.
The series is a welcome addition to Disney+. The familiar characters pick up where they left off and provide enough teasers for a potential sequel. And good news: according to the Hollywood Reporter, Marvel and Disney are working with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showrunner Malcolm Spellman on a fourth Captain America film.
Spoiler Alert for the end of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Who will play Captain America in Captain America 4 is still unclear. But what we can take away from the final episode is that Sam Wilson has a good chance of taking on the title role. Towards the end of the series, Falcon appoints himself as the new Captain America. And rightfully so. After much deliberation about whether he was the one who should pick up the shield, he decides to become the new national hero. So, there’s a good chance that Anthony Mackie will play the titular role in the future cinematic film.
After watching this series, there’s no need to mourn. Just as quickly as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier followed WandaVision, Loki with Tom Hiddleston in the lead role will also be coming soon. The release date of Loki is June 11 2021, and it will also be available weekly on Disney+. After that, the theatrical release of Black Widow is scheduled. This will be available from July 9th in theaters or with VIP access on Disney+. Plenty to look forward to for Marvel fans!
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) – Disney+
Sam Wilson aka Falcon and Bucky Barnes aka Winter Soldier team up on a global adventure.
Cast: Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Erin Kellyman, Daniel Brühl, and others.
Creator: Malcolm Spellman
Studios: Marvel, Disney
