Why Steve Rogers Was Right to Choose Sam Wilson Over Bucky Barnes as Captain America

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Indeed, I share a great fondness for Bucky Barnes with many others. When they unveiled him as the MCU’s White Wolf, my reaction was an enthusiastic “That’s fantastic! Let’s gear him up right away!

When discussing who should inherit the Captain America title between Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, I wholeheartedly prefer Sam over Bucky, much like Captain America himself would.

It may cross your mind how on earth it came to be that Sam, instead of Bucky, takes center stage in “Captain America: Brave New World.” Yet, here are five compelling reasons I’m elated about Sam being the lead character rather than Bucky.

Sam Has A Better Understanding Of What It Means To Be An Average American Than Bucky

Fun fact, one of the Marvel series I absolutely love is “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier“, mainly because it made Sam Wilson feel incredibly relatable to me.

Indeed, when it comes to superheroes, The Falcon is generally known for his down-to-earth demeanor (an irony given his aerial abilities). Truth be told, he’s more akin to characters such as Hawkeye and Black Widow, rather than the more fantastical figures like Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. However, in movies like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”, “Civil War”, and “Avengers: Infinity War”/”Endgame”, The Falcon appeared to tower over his fellow heroes.

In contrast to the Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, however, Sam isn’t met with success when he tries to obtain a loan from the bank despite being an actual Avenger who saved the universe.

If it doesn’t encapsulate the essence of the American journey (a Black person being turned down for a bank loan), then I’m at a loss for what would.

In my opinion, Sam seems more equipped to handle contemporary issues compared to Bucky. Now, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean Bucky wouldn’t make an excellent Captain America. I’m merely pointing out that Sam has a deeper comprehension of the challenges faced by today’s Americans, which is crucial for the role.

Sam Is Also Just A Normal, Every Day Dude With An Extraordinary Heart

As a huge fan, I can’t help but wonder: Am I incorrect in assuming that Sam earns a salary as an Avenger? The answer might surprise you – no. This is puzzling, given that Tony Stark (who seems to have taken on the role of Doctor Doom now) met his end following the events depicted in Endgame. Honestly, it feels unfair.

However, it’s important to note that Sam is nothing extraordinary in the sense of being a super-soldier with a mechanical limb. Instead, I see him as similar to first responders such as firefighters or police officers. He consistently faces and overcomes dangerous situations not because of any extraordinary abilities, but simply due to his exceptional heart.

One potential reason Steve Rogers chose Sam might have been because, fundamentally, Sam resembles a younger Steve. Recall 2011’s The First Avenger, where Steve stood out as the smallest yet most compassionate character.

Before he received the Super Soldier Serum, Sam was already the type of person who would hurl himself on a grenade if it meant safeguarding his comrade, and I firmly believe that his readiness to protect his country without needing the serum says a lot about him.

Yes, indeed, Bucky would likely be the stronger and more resilient Captain America, but being Captain America involves much more than mere strength; it’s primarily about having a strong heart. Although I understand that Bucky possesses an immense amount of heart, I believe it is more appropriate for someone like Sam, who exhibits extraordinary determination as just an ordinary individual, to be the one to wield the shield.

Sam Is Of The Here And Now, While Bucky, Like Cap, Is Of The Past

Sam isn’t an individual hailing from the past, unlike Steve and Bucky. He doesn’t belong to the generation that battled in World War II, often referred to as “The Greatest Generation.” Instead, Sam is a contemporary, grappling with issues of today.

One primary reason he struggled to accept the shield after receiving it was that he saw it as an unwelcome responsibility due to his focus on the current situation. As a Black man, he felt disconnected from the nation and questioned whether he could, in fact, symbolize a country that did not seem to embody his identity.

Prior to his encounter with Isaiah Bradley, one of the earliest Super Soldiers, his existence was largely overlooked due to him being a black Super Soldier. Yet, discovering more about this individual enlightened Sam on the significant strides this nation has made in terms of racial progress, even though there’s still much work to be done. It takes someone from our time to truly grasp the magnitude of his selection as Captain America.

Contrarily to both Bucky and Steve, their values are deeply rooted in an era long gone. Although we often reminisce about the Americans during World War 2, we’re not living in that time anymore. Both Steve and Bucky were aware of their ties to the past, and Cap, when bestowing the title, opted to look towards the future instead of the past.

In essence, America must sometimes reflect on its history, but it shouldn’t be stuck in it. That’s what makes me admire Steve’s decision to pick Sam over Bucky, as his former companion is not the embodiment of the future. Instead, Sam is.

A Black Captain America Is One Hell Of A Symbol

To put it another way, while I’d rather avoid discussing my own racial background, as the show The Falcon and the Winter Soldier didn’t shy away from this topic, I won’t either. In all honesty, I’m pleased that Captain America chose Sam over Bucky, as the concept of a Black Captain America appeals to me in general.

I understand, I understand. The phrase “DEI hires” seems to be causing some controversy these days, and it’s been used quite a bit in response to Sam becoming Captain America. However, let me assure you that such comments won’t diminish my joy at seeing a Black character, even if he’s fictional, embodying the role of Captain America for our entire nation.

Watching Sam touch down in his heroic stance, with his wings spread out and shield in hand, is a powerful emblem of liberty (after all, isn’t freedom symbolized by wings?). Moreover, I am thrilled that Steve made the decision to select Sam over Bucky as the new Captain America, despite knowing there would be those who might prefer Bucky. He believed Sam was the better fit for the role.

To put it simply, let me be honest with you: As an African-American myself, I shed tears of joy when Barack Obama assumed office. It filled me with immense pride to witness him elected as our nation’s leader, and his presence ignited optimism in countless individuals for a brighter future America.

I’d like to avoid delving into politics as this site caters to a diverse audience with varying viewpoints, all of which I value. However, it’s challenging not to discuss the political aspects when discussing a character like Captain America. I’m thrilled that Steve selected Sam for the role, as he’s exceptionally qualified and his appointment fills me with additional pride – both as an American and as a person of color. This choice reminds me of President Obama in many ways.

Lastly, I Just Like Anthony Mackie, And I’m Happy To See Him Fronting His Own Movie

Ultimately, it’s important to acknowledge Sebastian Stan’s impressive year in 2024, but truthfully, I’m thrilled to see Anthony Mackie taking the lead in a standalone film.

For quite some time, I’ve kept tabs on Mackie’s acting journey. Although he has excelled in supporting roles for a considerable period, it’s not often we see him as the main protagonist. Taking on the role of Captain America (instead of just his sidekick) represents a significant career shift and a fantastic chance for him.

Let me clarify, I’d be just as excited to see Stan play Captain America too, and I know that both Sam and Bucky have held the title in the comics. But honestly, I’m thrilled about Anthony Mackie getting his chance to shine – I think he deserves it after all he’s put into this role.

In the last episode of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”, I adored the character Cap, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for this upcoming movie for quite some time. Consequently, it just adds to my joy that Steve selected Sam over Bucky – it signifies that Anthony Mackie will headline his own film!

Are you Team Sam, or Team Bucky, and why? You heard my reasons. Now what about yours?

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2025-02-13 13:09