There are not many characters who can replace Steve Rogers' Captain America, but Sam Wilson is likely to be the best candidate - perhaps proving even more qualified than Rogers in the process. Captain America is a symbol of hope, heroism, and standing up for the little guy. Sam Wilson will finally have his moment to shine as that symbol in Captain America: New World Order and his story so far suggests that he will be more than capable.

Sam Wilson, much like Steve Rogers, comes from very humble beginnings. From his upbringing in Louisiana at the Wilson Family Seafood company to his time as a pararescue airman with the United States Air Force, Sam faced loss and adversity. All of these obstacles were the training that sharpened his wit, performance, and leadership skills. Since then, he has served as an Avenger under the moniker Falcon, became a fugitive of the state regarding the controversial Sokovia Accords, helped defeat Thanos, and deescalated both the unraveling of John Walker and the Flag-Smasher movement.

Related: Isaiah Bradley Exposes The Racial Hypocrisy Of Two (Captain) America

Aside from being battle-tested, Sam also climbed two steep mountains on the road to becoming Captain America. He is a soldier with no enhancements or Super Soldier Serum to increase his abilities, and he is a Black man in America amidst a time of racial unrest - combined with the MCU's revealed history of Black soldiers linked to military experimentation. Chris Evans' Steve Rogers may have had to prove himself worthy despite his size, but Sam Wilson's proving grounds were substantially more rocky throughout his on-screen journey. These two major obstacles not only prove that Sam has what it takes to shoulder the Captain America mantle, but that he can potentially eclipse what Steve Rogers did before him.

How Sam's Struggles Will Make Him A Better Captain America

Sam wilson captain america chris evans steve rogers

Sam Wilson first enters the picture in Captain America: The Winter Soldier where he leads a support group for soldiers with PTSD. Sam lost his wingman, Riley, to an RPG attack during a routine night mission. Despite the bad memories and emotional weight of his partner's demise, Sam wants to suit up again to help Steve because "Captain America needs my help. There's no better reason to get back in." In Captain America: Civil War, Sam Wilson stands with Cap on what he believes is right. He ignores the fact that the government has now named them fugitives of the state for going against the Sokovia Accords. He doesn't cave on his values in the face of tribulation, highlighting his innate suitability for the role.

Following the traumatic events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame and Sam's crucial role in the fight against Thanos, The Falcon And The Winter Soldier reveals Sam's home life with his sister and their financial troubles with the family seafood business. One issue piles on top of another as Sam, despite getting Steve's blessing, passes on being the next Captain America - only for America to pick a new Captain. He uncovers the truth about the military's first super soldier, Isaiah Bradley, who was a Black soldier the government experimented on and then cast to the wayside in their search for the perfect super soldier candidate. Sam is forced to reconcile what being Captain America means as a Black man in the face of racial injustices, optics, and the memory of Steve Rogers. This psychological turmoil, as well as the physical challenge of going toe-to-toe with some of the MCU's most dangerous villains to date, fortify his capability of making tough and nuanced decisions out of rationale rather than fear.

Sam Wilson was the voice of hope in Cap's ear during one of Steve's darkest times. A voice that brought Captain America back into the light with just one phrase: "On your left." There is no denying that Rogers had to earn the shield, but Sam has faced such varying trials of the mind, body, and spirit. There is no better candidate for Captain America than Sam Wilson, and Captain America: New World Order will show audiences why.

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