Avengers: Endgame Star Reveals Why Ending Is Major Burden For The Falcon

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier star Anthony Mackie calls getting Captain America's shield "a major burden."

By David Thompson Posted:
Falcon Avengers Endgame logo

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is set to begin the MCU's second Disney+ endeavor in just one week. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan are set to return as the titular roles respectfully, and the series will take place after the events of Avengers: Endgame to give fans an even better look at the world post Blip.

While there are so many questions fans want answered, it is confirmed that Baron Zemo and Sharon Carter will return, and viewers will be introduced to U.S. Agent.

The official description for the show says the two heroes will "team up in a global adventure that tests their abilities -- and their patience." For fans of the Captain America trilogy, this will surely act as a spirit successor as all of these characters had a connection with Steve Rogers. The shadow of Captain America will be looming over their head, and it has been revealed that living up to his legacy may be unwanted.

THE BURDEN OF CAPTAIN AMERICA

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Anthony Mackie revealed receiving Captain America's shield at the end of Avengers: Endgame “wasn’t an opportunity — it was a major burden.” Mackie continued saying that Sam Wilson "wasn’t looking for a promotion at work." 

“It wasn’t a thing of him sitting back and waiting for the shield. He wasn’t looking for a promotion at work.”

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is set to begin the MCU's second Disney+ endeavor in just one week. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan are set to return as the titular roles respectfully, and the series will take place after the events of Avengers: Endgame to give fans an even better look at the world post Blip.

WILL FALCON TAKE THE CAPTAIN AMERICA MANTLE?

When Steve Rogers decided to gave his shield to Sam Wilson, many fans saw this as a passing of the torch moment. The complexity of Wilson's response to Cap when asked how it feels, “like it’s someone else’s,” seems even more powerful after reading Mackie's quote. Is Sam Wilson annoyed that Rogers left them to live out his idyllic life with Peggy? Maybe he's bothered that he didn't give the shield to Bucky, who is more super-powered than himself. 

Sam wasn't looking for a promotion, and why should he have been? For the last four years, The Falcon has worked under Captain America; he's been a great wingman (no pun intended) but never been a leader. Then, he dusted away and was gone for five years. Now he's back and suddenly being handed the burden of living up to the impeccable legacy of Steve Rogers. This would be anyone's natural reaction, and it is delightful to see that this show will delve deep into Wilson's psyche. 

After all, Wilson is just a normal human with an incredible ability to fly with robotic wings strapped to his back. He has no super serum, no genius-level IQ; he's just a soldier who will fight for the greater good. Knowing that they will touch on Wilson's backstory, this should give fans a reason to celebrate that this show will give a long look at these characters and set them up for the future. Will Sam Wilson become Captain America? 

These questions will start to be answered when The Falcon and the Winter Soldier kicks off March 19, 2021, on Disney+.

Release Date
March 19, 2021
Platform
- About The Author: David Thompson
As an editor, writer, and podcast host, David is a key member of The Direct. He is an expert at covering topics like Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and business-related news following the box office and streaming.