Captain America: New World Order is finally putting Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson at the forefront of his very own MCU film, but the upcoming Phase 5 project can take one extra step to help the new Captain America stack up to his comic book counterpart. Since his introduction in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Sam has been missing one very prominent weapon from his comic book origins which, while referenced on occasion, has remained entirely absent from the MCU. However, with New World Order aiming to elevate Sam's rank in the franchise, the film would make the perfect occasion to finally give the new Captain America his strongest comic superpower.

New World Order will follow Sam Wilson's journey to earn Captain America's shield after stepping into the shoes of Steve Rogers during the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Set for an early 2024 release date, the fourth Captain America film will see Tim Blake Nelson's Leader return after an extended hiatus from the MCU since 2008's The Incredible Hulk, making for one of Sam's most powerful opponents ever. Although the Captain America films and Sam Wilson's character, in general, have been relatively grounded compared to other MCU ventures, New World Order's high stakes require that the former Falcon regain his silliest yet incredibly powerful ability.

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The MCU Got Rid Of Falcon's Avian Telepathy

Sam Wilson's Falcon in Comics and Anthony Mackie in Captain America 4

Ever since Steve Rogers was injected with Dr. Erskine's serum, super soldiers have run rampant in the MCU. However, despite his close connection with Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson remains one of Captain America's few allies with no physical superpowers. During the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam refuses to take the super soldier serum to enhance his abilities as Captain America, remaining powerless. This was not the case in the comics, wherein Sam, as the Falcon, possessed the uncanny ability to communicate telepathically with birds. He even often fought alongside an avian sidekick, Redwing, which was replaced in the MCU with a remote-controlled drone.

The MCU may have cut Falcon's powers in order to make him more realistic, especially considering the groundedness of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which marked Sam Wilson's first interaction with Steve Rogers. Having Captain America's newest ally telepathically communicating with birds would not only have felt out of place in the context of the last two Captain America films but also would have required some level of explanation as to how he acquired such powers. Sam's early years in the MCU simply didn't have the time or the energy to explain avian telepathy, making it far easier for Marvel Studios to cut this power altogether.

Captain America 4 Is The Perfect Time To Revisit Falcon's Powers

Sam Wilson wears his new Captain America costume with redesigned Falcon wings

Despite Sam's avian telepathy being completely absent from his tenure as the Falcon in the MCU, New World Order can finally add this skill to the new Captain America's arsenal. Although Sam Wilson's non-powered Captain America abilities are certainly impressive, he will need a power-up if he is ever expected to keep up with his fellow members of the Avengers. Furthermore, if more super soldiers continue to show and create chaos, Sam will need much more than his physical fighting skills to overcome the various threats he will face. Especially with the Leader on the way, Sam is going to need a major power overhaul in order to emerge victorious.

Conversely, with a brand-new Falcon joining the mix in New World Order with Danny Ramirez's Joaquin Torres, the MCU has the perfect opportunity to give its new Falcon a power upgrade that Sam never had. Such a move would certainly differentiate Sam's and Joaquin's Falcons, justifying the need for someone new to fill the role. Moreover, the film could even see the introduction of a comics-accurate Redwing, who could serve as either Sam's or Joaquin's sidekick following Bucky's absence. While it still may be a long shot, the Falcon's true powers must manifest in Captain America: New World Order if they are to be included in the MCU at all.

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