The Falcon and the Winter Soldier emphasized that Marvel's stars and stripes branch is just getting started. With Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson officially assuming the Captain America mantle and Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes making amends with his Winter Soldier past, this patriotic program proved the legacy of the vibranium shield is in good hands.
Just like when developmental talent gets called up to the main roster, spots open up. That's especially true for Sam Wilson, as his new star-spangled threads leave the Falcon title up for grabs.
That empty mantle may have already found its successor. Wilson gifts Danny Ramirez's Joaquin Torres his former Falcon wings in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Episode 5, telling the Air Force lieutenant to "keep 'em."
That wing wink was the only tease director Kari Skogland gave regarding Torres' future, and it looks like it's all fans will be getting for the time being.
Danny Ramirez's Falcon Future
Everybody's got a gimmick now.
When asked by ComicBook if he's "tried on any wings recently," The Falcon and the Winter Soldier star Danny Ramirez kept his lips sealed.
"I can't confirm, deny, do anything, say anything."
This response came shortly after a housekeeper knocked on Ramirez's door, to which the actor joked it was Marvel reminding him to keep quiet.
"Yeah, that was literally them saying, 'Remember!' (laughs)."
Big Plans For Joaquin Torres?
While all MCU actors play coy regarding future projects, Ramirez is one actor that has strong staying power.
In the comics, Joaquin Torres takes on the Falcon mantle after Sam Wilson enlists him as his partner. He also has his DNA spliced with Redwing, who is an actual bird on the page. Considering Torres was gifted Wilson's mechanical wings, don't expect Torres to grow natural gliders out of his spine on the big screen.
And yes, big screen, because that is likely where fans see him next.
Captain America 4 is actively in development, with Anthony Mackie returning in the titular role and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showrunner Malcolm Spellman scribing the script. While Mackie remains the lone confirmed cast member, recurring supporting Captain America players like Sebastian Stan and Emily VanCamp are likely to return.
If Cap 4 intends on furthering The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's rookies' storylines, expect the likes of Ramirez and Elijah Richardson to receive sophomore spotlight in the fourquel. After all, there's a "giant storyline" for Torres that is just waiting to see the light of day.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is streaming in full on Disney+.
MCU Writer, Editor, Podcaster
