The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a new Captain America thanks to The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, but why isn't John Walker a super soldier? The end of Avengers: Endgame set up Sam Wilson aka Falcon taking over Steve Rogers' mantle. However, the character's Disney+ series began with him give up the Captain America shield. While he thought this was the best decision, it didn't take long for the government to go against Sam's best intentions and introduce someone else as Captain America.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier episode 2 properly introduces the MCU's new Captain America. After his quick appearance and wink that caused fans to immediately him, the series started to show John Walker's perspective. His grand introduction across the country included TV interviews, press conferences, and deployment on missions already. This included the revelation that John Walker's Captain America isn't a super soldier. Unlike Steve Rogers (or even Bucky Barnes), Walker confirms he doesn't have super strength. This is a surprising development for the character given his comic history of being a true super soldier, so why is he lacking powers in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier?

Related: Falcon & The Winter Soldier: Every MCU Easter Egg In Episode 2

Walker should be able to have super strength or similar powers to Captain America in the MCU at this point. There are several super soldiers in the MCU already, but The Falcon and The Winter Soldier introduced even more in this same episode. Isaiah Bradley, the first Black Captain America, appeared in episode 2 and confirmed his part in the super soldier program. He was experimented on by the government and his blood studied for thirty years while he was in prison. This should mean that the government has access to super soldier serum. Not giving the new Captain America superpowers is a curious decision then, but there are some reasons why they could've decided against it.

John Walker laughing in Falcon and Winter Soldier

Steve Rogers was a fantastic Captain America, but his superpowers also somewhat allowed him to continually go against the government. Now that the United States government got to handpick the new Captain America, they could've wanted someone more under their control. John Walker is an accomplished soldier but he wouldn't be able to stand up to the government on his own. This could make him more compliant to their orders and further sell him as more of an everyday American who "earned" his stripes. There's also the possibility that the government is not able to give John Walker the super soldier serum. The Incredible Hulk made it seem that the serum used on Emil Blonsky was among a limited supply. The government might not have enough of the serum anymore to give Walker powers. Perhaps they are also waiting to give him powers until he proves that he is worthy of such abilities.

Even though John Walker isn't a super soldier at the moment, the MCU's new Captain America could still possibly get powers. The presence of the Flag-Smashers and their super soldier army is no coincidence. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier could see Walker obtain the serum and use it on himself so he has a better chance of fighting the Flag-Smashers. The show has even teased the inclusion of Power Broker, who is responsible for giving Walker his powers in the comics. So even though the MCU's new Captain America isn't a super soldier right now, there's still plenty of time for The Falcon and The Winter Soldier to change that.

Next: Why Bucky Is So Angry Sam Gave Up Captain America's Shield

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