With Sam Wilson taking up the shield as the new Captain America at the end of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, audiences are eager to see more. Shortly following the series finale, Marvel announced that a Captain America 4 is in the works, hopefully establishing a new trilogy featuring Sam Wilson.
There are many great comic storylines to draw from in creating the next film, and with them, it can incorporate several popular and powerful supporting characters that haven't been seen in the MCU yet. As staunch allies or fervent adversaries, each ranges from across Captain America’s extensive history, representing important moments and relationships in Marvel comics.
Hydra Supreme
In 2016, Marvel shocked audiences by making Sam Wilson’s Captain America go up against an evil Steve Rogers from another universe. In this reality, he became a super soldier and shadow operative for HYDRA, secretly infiltrating S.H.I.E.L.D. and the American government until they were fully under the evil organization’s control.
Many fans will recognize this was teased as an Easter egg during the time heist in Avengers: Endgame. Now with the multiverse open to explore, perhaps fans will see Chris Evans again as Steve Rogers, this time as the antagonist – though this seems less and less likely as more time passes.
Alisande Morales
Both Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson have worked for and with S.H.I.E.L.D. extensively throughout their history in the comics and there are several fellow agents that could be featured in future projects. One such character is Alisande Morales, who at first worked alongside Captain America and Falcon before becoming an agent for H.A.M.M.E.R., S.H.I.E.L.D.’s replacement.
Agent Morales is among the many characters from S.H.I.E.L.D. who could still appear in future films or TV shows despite the organization's destruction in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. She could be working for Fury in Secret Invasion, or S.W.O.R.D., or for Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in whatever she is doing.
Serpent Society
Though Captain America might not have the most iconic rogues gallery like Spider-Man or Batman, he has still grappled with several powerful villains and teams, including the enigmatic Serpent Society. They are a large group of snake-themed supervillains who have remained consistent enemies to both Rogers and Wilson.
Several important members include Sidewinder, Viper AKA Madame Hydra, and King Cobra. Interestingly, some members like Diamondback, Black Mamba, and Asp occasionally operate more like anti-heroes rather than strict villains. While they are peculiar and unique among Captain America tales, it would exciting to see them translated to the MCU – they can handle several bug-themed heroes, so some snake-themed villains aren’t really that much of a stretch.
Sin
Red Skull is Captain America’s initial enemy in Captain America: The First Avenger, and he shockingly returned as the Stonekeeper in Avengers: Infinity War. Following the Soul Stone’s destruction, he was released from his servitude, thus revealing the possibility for his eventual return down the line. As such, there is a great possibility that his daughter could then appear in turn.
Sinthea Shmidt AKA Sin was first introduced in 1983 and has remained a prominent figure in subsequent comics. She even accrued her own followers like her father, the Sisters of Sin. Interestingly, her origins would easily help her join the MCU, as it is explained that she underwent accelerated growth and aging to bring her to her adulthood.
Jack Flag
Throughout over eighty years in comics, Captain America has been joined by numerous other heroes representing their homes and nationalities through their costumes. This would include Jack Harrison AKA Jack Flag, a young hero who looked up to Captain America so much that he started crime-fighting by combating the Serpent Society.
He was inadvertently empowered by Mister Hyde – played by Kyle MacLachlan in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – and even eventually joined the Guardians of the Galaxy. He was then killed off by Hydra’s Captain America during his secret infiltration. Regardless, Jack Flag could very well show up as an ally to Sam Wilson and/or a member of the Guardians - perhaps in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy holiday special.
Union Jack
Another nationalistic hero that Captain America has teamed up with hails from the UK, Union Jack. Like several other heroes or villains, many different people have used the moniker. One, James Montgomery Falsworth, has already been featured in the MCU as a member of the Howling Commandos in Captain America: The First Avenger.
His son Brian Falsworth could, therefore, take up the role – perhaps retconned to be James’ grandson – or it could be the current iteration in the comics, Joseph Chapman. Furthermore, now that a live-action film is being discussed to star Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter, she could be joined by a fellow British superhero, Union Jack.
Demolition Man
Another ally to Captain America might be coming soon to the MCU following the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Dennis Dunphy AKA Demolition Man, or sometimes just D-Man, was empowered by the Power Broker to become a better athlete. However, he eventually became addicted to the enhancement drugs and worked with Captain America to investigate Power Broker, Inc.
Since then, D-Man has remained a steady ally, though he’s never gained popularity or public recognition, in large part due to his costume’s resemblance to Wolverine. However, he still has quite a unique and compelling story and could certainly be incorporated into the MCU with Sharon Carter now serving as the Power Broker.
Grand Director
Though Erskine’s super-soldier serum was effectively destroyed in Captain America: The First Soldier, interested parties still found a way to replicate it – though it never worked as well as it did on Steve Rogers. These creations empowered Isaiah Bradley, US Agent, and the Flag-Smashers in the MCU, but in the comics, there are several other recipients, including William Burnside.
Growing up, Burnside revered Steve Rogers to the point of obsession and legally changed his name to Steve Rogers. He operated as a Captain America during the 1950s, but eventually, paranoia took control of him and he was then coerced into villainy by Doctor Faustus and became the Grand Director.
Nomad (Jack Monroe)
What many fans of Captain America might not know is that the nickname Bucky was passed on from one Captain America ally to another over the years. Following James Barnes’ apparent death – and before his revival as the Winter Soldier – Jack Monroe took up that role along with the codename Nomad.
Interestingly, the first Nomad was actually Steve Rogers, who wished to continue fighting crime, though without the public recognition as Captain America. Jack Monroe seems like a sure sight in a future project, whether teaming up with Sam Wilson or Bucky Barnes. Alternatively, Nomad could appear as a multiversal ally – perhaps as Rikki Barnes, James’ granddaughter from Counter-Earth.
Captain America (Aaron Fischer)
Recently an entirely new and exciting Captain America was introduced in the comics, as Aaron Fischer followed in his idols’ footsteps as a street-level vigilante. He styles himself off Steve Rogers, fashioning himself his own shield and becoming the Captain America of the Railways. Like Sam Wilson, he lacks the classic super strength and endurance, but he surely makes up for that with guts and determination.
Importantly, Aaron is gay, further supplementing the consistent and powerful representation of the LGBTQ+ community among Marvel heroes. As such a new creation, it will likely be a while until audiences will see him on the big screen, but it is never out of question – just look at Kamala Khan, Miles Morales, or America Chavez, who have each become incredibly popular.