Summary
- Sam Wilson proves himself worthy of the title Captain America, showcasing strengths Steve Rogers lacked.
- Sam’s ability to communicate with people of color, fly, and use gadgets sets him apart from Steve.
- Sam’s ordinary man status and modern background make him relatable and inspirational, unlike Steve’s outdated knowledge.
“You’re no Steve Rogers.” That’s a quote President Ross says to Sam Wilson in Captain America: Brave New World, and it’s a sentiment that was stated in the show before this, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Behind the scenes, Sam must hear it even more often.
Stepping into the the shoes of Steve Rogers, who was an inspiring Captain America, cannot be easy. While he lacks certain traits, Sam proves himself worthy of the title Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World. In some cases, Sam showcases that he is more capable in some areas than Steve, so let’s get to how and why.
There will be spoilers ahead.
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6
Able To Reach People Of Color
Could Steve Have Helped Isaiah Bradley?
Steve Rogers is a man with few faults who shows equal treatment towards all forms of life, be they human or alien. That said, there’s only so much he can say or do as a white person. Sam, on the other hand, is able to communicate with people of color like Steve would never be able to.
It’s a fact of life, and Steve may not be able to accept that. For example, if Steve went to speak to Isaiah Bradley, even though they were both Super Soldiers, Isaiah probably would not fully trust Steve. It took Isaiah a bit to trust Sam in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Eventually, Sam does reach Isaiah, forming a strong bond that is evident in Captain America: Brave New World and a driving force that gives the film a lot of heart.
5
Can’t Diss Flying
Soar Like An American Eagle
The other obvious thing Sam has over Steve is flight. Steve has had some good falling scenes in the MCU movies giving the illusion of flight, but he was never able to fly like Sam. He’s the best of both worlds, with Captain America’s shield and his wings from his Falcon persona.
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Thanks to his flight, Sam is able to cover more ground with his Mach speeds. Also, being able to scan an area from above is handy before venturing into a dangerous situation. His wings also double as a secondary shield, giving Sam more defensive measures.
4
More Gadgets Isn’t A Bad Thing
Love Those Wakanda Upgrades
Sam is also a bit like Iron Man as he is not a super-powered hero. It’s all about gadgets, and this goes beyond borrowing Steve’s shield or using the wings on his back. Sam can deploy drones in battle, which he does several times in Captain America: Brave New World.
His drones help him cut through a fence to get into the Echo-1 base, for example. They also help distract Red Hulk during the final battle when Sam is forced to fight alone. Having drones is not as great as having super strength like Steve, but they have their advantages and Steve utilizes them well.
3
An Inspiration For The Ordinary
Joaquin Torres Knows It
Sam is a bit down on himself in Captain America: Brave New World, like he was in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. One of the better scenes in the film takes place between him and Joaquin Torres, the man who takes over the mantle of Falcon, in the hospital. Joaquin tells Sam that he gives people like him hope that they can become heroes.
Becoming a super soldier is not achievable for most. However, rising through the ranks as a soldier and then getting the right gear is a goal that anyone can strive toward. Joaquin says Sam as Falcon was his hero, and he knows Sam can be an inspiration for kids as a new version of Captain America too. Like the power of color, being an ordinary man makes Sam a more approachable person than Steve, and Joaquin’s words help Sam realize this.
2
A Man Of The 21st Century
No Learning Curve For This Superhero
Steve grew up in the 1940s and then went into a frozen coma following World War II. When he wakes up in modern society, which was in 2012 back then for the first Avengers-based film, he has some catching up to do. Steve’s lack of knowledge was often a joke in the MCU movies, which was admittedly funny.
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However, lack of common knowledge like how to work a microwave or getting a cultural reference puts Steve at a disadvantage. Sam grew up in a modern society and did not have a knowledge gap. It may seem like a small advantage, but a victory is a victory.
1
To Err Is Human
A Lack Of Super Soldier Serum Grounds His Senses
Steve can feel pain as Captain America, but his senses are assuredly dulled compared to regular humans. This can be dangerous for Steve, as he often pushes himself beyond the boundaries of any man. That’s the point of a superhero though: to go to infinity and beyond, as it were.
Sam’s lack of superpowers gives him a clear mind. When he’s hurt or outgunned, he will retreat and think of a new strategy. He has to use his cunning more than his brawn in battle. One great example in Captain America: Brave New World is the battery bomb he crafts in the fight with Sidewinder. It’s a MacGyver-like move, but it works. Does Steve have the ingenuity to craft something like that?