Captain America: Civil War – Who’s Battling Who And Why?

Sam Wilson/Falcon

Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie) potentially holds an interesting position in Captain America: Civil War. He is, essentially and initially, a replacement best friend for Captain America. Having supposedly lost Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger, the superhero crosses paths with Wilson – a military-trained man trying to adjust to life back at home – and inspires him with his heroism. Wilson uses flight technology available to him to assist in the fight against The Winter Soldier – who is ultimately revealed to be Bucky Barnes.

Wilson becomes deeply embroiled with S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers, assuming the guise of Falcon, and fighting alongside the superheroes – but his involvement here will be largely dependent upon his loyalty to Captain America and his attitude toward Cap’s relationship with Bucky Barnes.

With his own distinguished military career behind him, Falcon can easily relate to the close bond that exists between Cap and Bucky – but that same career also requires him to prioritize the safety and protection of the population above all else. While it can easily be assumed that Falcon will remain loyal to Captain America, will he question the blind faith his friend has in Bucky Barnes, if it leads to greater stubbornness with regard to authority and, perhaps, a vulnerability that Hydra can exploit?