Summary
- Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson evolves from side character to Captain America, solidifying his central role in the modern MCU after Brave New World.
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcases Wilson’s personal growth, struggles, and transformation into the new Captain America.
- Mackie’s standout moments in key MCU films range from intense action sequences to quieter, memorable conversations with iconic quotes and gags.
Over the years, Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, has become a staple character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), appearing in seven Marvel movies to date. What sets Sam Wilson apart is his journey of growth from the outset, starting under Steve Rogers’ command. Anthony Mackie’s portrayal stands out further with his own TV show, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which enriches his presence in the MCU through extended screen time and a more developed character.
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Despite lacking superpowers (beyond his armored-winged suit), Wilson’s dedication and skills have propelled him beyond the ranks of secondary superheroes to assume the mantle of Captain America in his own solo movie. This marks his evolution into a central figure in the modern MCU. In Captain America: Brave New World, the latest Marvel film, Sam Wilson assumes the role of the new Cap, hinting at significant moments ahead for Anthony Mackie in the MCU.
As fans speculate on Wilson’s role in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday movie as a key team member, now is the perfect moment to reflect on his legacy across the MCU so far.
This ranking prioritizes Sam Wilson’s impact on the narrative or action rather than the films’ individual quality.
8
Avengers: Age Of Ultron
“Avenging Is Your World.”
- Total Screen Time: 45 Seconds
More of a cameo than a full-fledged appearance, Sam Wilson remained on the sidelines in Avengers: Age of Ultron, while the core Avengers — Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, and Hawkeye — took center stage.
In his brief scene, Mackie shares a quiet moment with Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers, expressing regret over missing Cap’s latest mission and asking about his modern life in Brooklyn. Though a small role, the exchange reinforced Wilson’s steady presence as a trusted friend to Steve.
7
Avengers: Infinity War
“We Got A Vision Situation Here!”
- Total Screen Time: 2 Minutes And 45 Seconds
Avengers: Infinity War is an action-packed film featuring a vast roster of superheroes, each given moments to shine. Despite limited screen time in this epic story, Anthony Mackie’s Falcon plays a key role in several intense action sequences. He first joins Captain America and Black Widow to rescue Vision and Wanda from Thanos’ minions, and later, during the climactic battle in Wakanda, he provides aerial support alongside War Machine, covering the ground forces.
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However, despite the Avengers’ united efforts, they ultimately fail to stop Thanos from collecting all the Infinity Stones. In the film’s devastating conclusion, Falcon is among the many heroes who disintegrate in the Snap, vanishing from existence for five long years.
6
Ant-Man
“It’s Really Important To Me That Cap Never Finds Out About This.”
- Total Screen Time: 2 Minutes And 45 Seconds
Back when the MCU wasn’t as reliant on big-name cameos, Anthony Mackie made a guest appearance in Ant-Man in a short but memorable action sequence. In the scene, Scott Lang infiltrates an active Avengers facility, where Sam Wilson is on patrol. After a brief introduction, where Lang admits he’s a big fan of Falcon, Ant-Man explains that he needs to retrieve equipment from the warehouse to help save the world, prompting Falcon to engage him in battle.
During the fight, Falcon and Ant-Man initially seem evenly matched, but Scott Lang ultimately gains the upper hand by using his signature move — shrinking down and disabling Falcon’s jetpack from the inside. With no way to counter the tactic, Wilson is left defeated as Lang makes his escape. It’s a fun, intense, and well-executed scene that helped boost Falcon’s popularity in his early superhero days.
5
Captain America: Civil War
“How Long Are You Gonna Play Both Sides?”
- Total Screen Time: 10 Minutes And 15 Seconds
Captain America: Civil War is the film where Sam Wilson and James “Bucky” Barnes’ unique dynamic truly begins to take shape, delivering plenty of memorable conversations and action sequences as the former adversaries grow into reluctant allies. Their shared loyalty to Steve Rogers initially forces them to work together, and despite the political turmoil threatening to divide the heroes, they manage to find common ground.
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As in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Sam once again proves his unwavering loyalty to Cap, always ready to have his back. Action-wise, Wilson takes part in the legendary airport battle, engaging in a brief but amusing encounter with Spider-Man, who admires Falcon’s wing design. Later, Wilson got a pulsar shot by Iron Man after his failed attempt to save War Machine from his fall. Amid all the chaos, it’s easy to overlook that, unlike many other heroes, Sam Wilson is just a skilled soldier doing his job.
4
Avengers: Endgame
“Thank You. I’ll Do My Best.”
- Total Screen Time: 4 Minutes And 30 Seconds
Avengers: Endgame brought back all the heroes for a grand final showdown, giving Sam Wilson several impactful moments. He is one of the first heroes to emerge from Doctor Strange’s portal, joining the battle to aid the remaining Avengers on Earth. During the fight, he gets his standout action moment with a swift double-wing stab on a giant alien.
Much more importantly, Endgame marks a defining moment in Wilson’s journey, as Steve Rogers passes on the mantle of Captain America to him, handing over the iconic shield. Though initially hesitant about stepping into a world without Steve as Cap, Sam ultimately accepts the responsibility with pride, vowing not to let Steve down. This moment signals the beginning of a new era for Falcon as he takes on his most significant role yet.
3
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
“Yeah, Brother. We All Got The Same Problems. Guilt, Regret…”
- Total Screen Time: 14 Minutes And 15 Seconds
The film that introduced Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson to the MCU, Captain America: The Winter Soldier did an excellent job establishing his character and unique traits. Direct, dependable, and fiercely loyal, Wilson is willing to follow Steve Rogers to hell and back, never questioning his leader’s decisions or ideals. More than anything, though, Sam is portrayed as a man of action, who’s always ready to jump into the fight without hesitation — a trait that remains consistent throughout his MCU journey.
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In The Winter Soldier, Falcon gets several standout action moments, including a brief but intense confrontation with Bucky Barnes. Still inexperienced at the time, Sam is no match for the hardened super soldier, who tears off one of Falcon’s wings and sends him plummeting from the Helicarrier. Despite the brutal takedown, Wilson manages to land safely, but he has to abandon the subsequent fight.
2
Captain America: Brave New World
“I Have To Admit, I’m Still Getting Used To The New Look.”
As the first solo film featuring Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, Brave New World is a pivotal entry in the MCU, reaffirming Mackie’s ability to confidently lead the movie. While honoring the high ideals of his predecessor, Sam Wilson also strives to forge his own path, redefining what it means to be a hero by prioritizing the protection of ordinary citizens above all else.
Delivering on heroic speeches and intense action sequences, Captain America: Brave New World may not be hailed as the best MCU film, as many critics argue it continues the trend of safe, formulaic blockbusters lacking bold storytelling, but it finally gives Sam Wilson the spotlight he has long deserved. With Mackie fully stepping into the role, fans are eager to see what’s next for him in the upcoming Avengers films.
1
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier
“You Want To Climb Out Of The Hell You’re In, Do The Work.”
- Total Screen Time: 99 Minutes And 45 Seconds
The six-episode miniseries Falcon and the Winter Soldier revolves primarily around the complex relationship between Sam Wilson and James Barnes, giving Anthony Mackie the perfect opportunity to fully showcase his character’s depth. To this day, the show remains one of the MCU’s strongest small-screen efforts, expertly weaving together action, drama, and character development while delivering satisfying resolutions to multiple storylines.
With nearly 100 minutes of screen time throughout the series, fans got to see a more personal side of Sam Wilson: his dedication, struggles, and ultimate transformation into the new Captain America. One of the standout moments is his emotionally charged speech near the show’s conclusion, where, after fully embracing his role as Cap and learning to take full responsibility for his choices and actions without Rogers by his side, Wilson delivers a powerful message about justice.
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