Falcon & Winter Soldier Trailer Breakdown: 25 MCU Secrets & Story Reveals

Marvel has released a new Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer, and here's our breakdown of the major takeaways and Easter eggs. There's been a relative drought of Marvel news through 2020, largely because the coronavirus pandemic has caused chaos to both production and release schedules. At last, though, Disney's investor call brought an end to that drought, with the House of Mouse unleashing a stunning number of trailers and first looks for their Disney+ TV shows.

The Falcon & The Winter Soldier is one of the most exciting of these, picking up where Avengers: Endgame has left off. Steve Rogers has traveled back in time to enjoy his Happily Ever After with his beloved Peggy Carter, choosing Sam Wilson as his replacement. But, of course, the world is a lot more complicated than the original Captain America would like to think, and there have been hints Sam will discover a darker side to the Captain America legacy than Steve was ever aware of. Fortunately Falcon will find himself assisted by Steve's old sidekick Bucky, aka the Winter Soldier. The dynamic between actors Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan was delightful in the previous Captain America films, and it promises to be just as entertaining on Disney+.

The trailer for The Falcon & The Winter Soldier suggests this will be an action-packed spy thriller, exploring corners of the Marvel Universe that have never made it on to the big screen. Here are all the key takeaways and Easter eggs.

25. Captain America's Shield Isn't Being Used By Falcon

The Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer opens with a glimpse of the Captain America exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution, which has clearly been updated since it was last seen in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It makes sense that the exhibit would have changed substantially, given almost a decade has passed in MCU time, and the world believes Steve Rogers died fighting Thanos. The star of the exhibit now appears to be Captain America's shield, suggesting Sam has been unable to keep hold of it. Sadly, this makes sense; Falcon will never be able to tell the circumstances in which he received the shield in the first place, and consequently the US Government would reasonably insist they had the right to choose Captain America's replacement.

24. "The Legacy Of That Shield Is... Complicated"

Meanwhile, the Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer reveals Falcon's view of the shield - and, indeed, of the legacy of Captain America - has become a lot more complicated. There have been reports the series will add a dark new twist into the Captain America mythos, with Sam discovering Isaiah Bradley, the first Black Captain America. He was introduced in Robert Morales' ground-breaking Truth: Red, White, and Black miniseries back in 2003, with Morales revealing the US Government committed secret super-soldier experiments on Black soldiers during the Second World War. The story was inspired by the infamous Tuskegee Experiments, and Marvel would certainly be embracing the political side of the superhero genre if they incorporated this into their shared cinematic universe. It would actually be surprisingly easy to retcon Isaiah Bradley into the MCU, and it would give the story of Sam Wilson a sharp edge.

23. A Mysterious Convoy

A number of shots in the trailer show a mysterious convoy, which appears to play a major role in The Falcon & The Winter Soldier. No context is provided for this convoy, and consequently there's absolutely no way to tell what is going on here. It's reasonable to assume the convoy comes under attack - whether by the as-yet-unseen villains of the series or, in fact, by Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes.

22. Falcon & Winter Soldier Could Be In Madripoor

A large number of scenes in the Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer appear to be set in an Asian country that may be the fictional nation of Madripoor. Best described as the Mos Eisley Cantina of the X-Men comics, most of the island is jungle, and its single city is divided into two sections - Hightown and Lowtown. Both are equally corrupt, with Hightown serving as a global tax haven that is used by criminal organizations and terrorists, while Lowtown is noted for its poverty and drug dens. Falcon & Winter Soldier set photos showed the Madripoor flag, but it is unknown how much of a role the country will play. Other scenes show logos and markings in different languages, suggesting this Disney+ series will travel the globe.

21. The Police React To A Crisis

The Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer shows an elite police force react to an unseen crisis. The riot shields they're holding are labeled "Justiz," which is German. Assuming this is indeed set in Germany, it isn't the first time the MCU has headed to that country; the European nation was featured prominently in Captain America: Civil War as well, because the Sokovia Accords were signed in Germany.

20. A Terrorist Attack

The Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer shows what is clearly a major terrorist attack. The flow of the trailer is important at this point, suggesting the terrorist attacks are the crisis Sam and Bucky are responding to in the series. It further appears that this is the reason the German police have gone on alert, but that seems unlikely, because the riot gear shouldn't be needed to deal with bombings. Trailers are made to deceive, and there may well be deception on this point.

19. Flag Smasher's Terrorist Group

The villains of Falcon & Winter Soldier appear to be a mysterious new terrorist group bearing a strange logo. Tie-in merchandise has confirmed this is the logo of Flag-Smasher, traditionally a terrorist opposed to nationalism who launched a spate of attacks on what he considered to be symbols of world separatism. He's a relatively minor Captain America villain, who bitterly hates everything Steve Rogers stands for. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him draw Falcon and Winter Soldier into action by targeting the legacy of Captain America, and particularly the Captain America museum. In the comics, Flag-Smasher is a wealthy former diplomat who used his immense wealth to acquire a remarkable amount of advanced weaponry, which would explain why he's so dangerous.

18. Falcon's Wings Are Kept In A Stark Briefcase

The Falcon & The Winter Soldier trailer reveals Sam Wilson keeps his retractable wings into a briefcase, an amusing callback to Iron Man 2, where Tony Stark kept an Iron Man suit in one. There's been no evidence previous Falcon wings were kept in this manner, so the trailer may have subtly hinted Stark Industries is still financing the world's superheroes. That may also explain how Falcon and Winter Soldier can afford to travel the globe in pursuit of Flag-Smasher.

17. Another Possible Look At Madripoor

Falcon and Winter Soldier Madripoor Again

Sam and Bucky are apparently on a trawler, arriving at a small dock. The location is uncertain, but the design of the trawler matches with portrayals of Madripoor ships in the X-Men comics, even with those scene in Gerry Duggan's current Marauders run. Consequently, it's likely they have either left - or are arriving in - Madripoor. Visually there is nothing to confirm where this dock is, so Madripoor can't be ruled out.

16. The Winter Soldier Explains Symbolism

Falcon and Winter Soldier Bucky Explains Symbolism

"People need something to get behind," Bucky Barnes explains to Falcon. It's an interesting shot, demonstrating Bucky's understanding of the emotional situation people have been left in after the events of Avengers: Endgame. It's possible the world is still reeling from Thanos' two attacks, and the blip in which half the life in the universe was erased. No doubt humanity feels a lot smaller now aliens are confirmed not only to exist, but to act on such an horrific scale. And even though the Avengers ultimately won the day and reversed the snap, that sense of vulnerability will remain, especially given the Avengers paid such a heavy price. Bucky may well sense similarities between this and the buildup to the Second World War, when the world last needed a man to step up as Captain America.

15. Falcon's New Costume

The Falcon & The Winter Soldier trailer gives viewers their first proper look at Sam Wilson's new costume, albeit a blurry one because he's swooping in with the sun behind him. From an in-universe perspective, the fact Falcon has somehow commissioned a new costume - perhaps again from Stark Industries - suggests he has reconciled himself to the idea of never becoming Captain America. Of course, from an out-of-universe point of view, a new costume is a perfect opportunity for merchandise; it's no surprise merch has already teased Falcon's new look. It's a tremendous design, but hopefully Sam will be wearing another costume by the end of the series - one in red, white, and blue.

14. Zemo Grieves His Family

In addition to featuring Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie, The Falcon & The Winter Soldier sees Daniel Brühl return as Baron Zemo. Last seen in Captain America: Civil War, set photos have suggested Falcon and Winter Soldier team up with Zemo - presumably against Flag-Smasher. It may be the MCU has reinvented Flag-Smasher, making him another Sokovian terrorist who seeks vengeance upon the world, and that the two Avengers ask Zemo to help them take him down. One of the most powerful scenes in the trailer shows Zemo still grieving his family, but hopefully he's no longer quite so vengeful. This is followed by another moment seen before, in which the Winter Soldier drops bullets in front of Zemo as a demonstration of his strength.

13. US Agent Strives To Be A Symbol

The US Government do indeed believe they have the right to choose the next Captain America - and they have picked John Walker, a character comic book readers will know as the US Agent. The character was created by Mark Gruenwald to be the thematic opposite of Steve Rogers, a symbol of patriotism gone wrong. In the comics, the Commission on Superhuman Affairs rejected Sam Wilson as a candidate because they didn't believe the US was ready for a Black Captain America, but unfortunately they chose a man who was dangerously unstable. The Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer uses the same shots that have been shown before, of US Agent being cheered as he stands in a football stadium.

12. Falcon & Winter Soldier In Madripoor

A number of shots show Falcon and Winter Soldier in civilian garb, in what looks like a Madripoor Hightown drinking establishment. Unfortunately their attempts to infiltrate Madripoor high society seem doomed to failure, because they both appear visibly uncomfortable, and they've even slipped into a back-to-back stance, clearly trusting only in one another. A later shot shows them actually on the run, fleeing a hail of gunfire, so there may be good reason for their defensiveness. It will be interesting to see who Bucky and Sam encounter in Madripoor; there's been speculation they could cross paths with Tyger Tiger, a Madripoorian crime lord who actually became Wolverine's lover in the comics. Mishi Ishikawa has been cast in a mystery role, and she'd be perfect for that part.

11. Falcon Proves He's A Superb Spy

The Falcon wings are typically used for aerial combat, but the Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer proves Sam Wilson is perfect for reconnaissance and infiltration as well. In one superb shot, Falcon dives down next to a truck and then slips underneath it, presumably then grabbing hold of the understructure in order to stay aboard. It's reasonable to assume Sam has been trailing this unknown truck, and that he now wants to infiltrate whatever base it is driving into. The mountainous region in the background is difficult to place, but it is reminiscent of the Cascades.

10. Winter Soldier On His Bike

One cool shot shows Winter Soldier on a bike, riding through the streets in what may be a pursuit scene. This is a smart touch, because a motorbike grants Bucky a similar degree of maneuverability to Falcon, and he'll be a lot less incongruous in an urban setting than a guy with wings. Bucky's clothing is reminiscent of the outfit he was wearing in the Madripoor den earlier, and this shot shows a cool flame styling on his left arm - a fantastic new touch that really changes the Winter Soldier's visual aesthetic.

9. The Flag-Smashers Conduct A Mysterious Heist

Marvel's Flag Smasher in Falcon and the Winter Soldier

The Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer shows the Flag-Smashers conducting a mysterious heist on a truck, with one of their number standing on top of it in a threatening manner. The close focus on this individual may imply this is the actual Flag-Smasher, the leader of the entire terrorist organization, and a later shot shows Sam fighting this same person. It's possible Sam and Bucky will intend to allow this particular heist to continue, so Sam Wilson can sneak aboard the truck and infiltrate the Flag-Smashers' base. If that is the plan, though, it goes wrong - because Falcon is shown on the top of the truck as well, suggesting he's been found out.

8. Captain America May Be Involved In The Heist

The Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer carefully avoids revealing much about US Agent's role in the series - but there is one subtle hint. A blink-and-you'll-miss-it shot suggests US Agent is actually participating in the heist, and that he has helped catch Falcon. Surprisingly, there is comic book precedent for this idea, because in the comics US Agent won the world over to him as a hero by coordinating terrorist attacks that he then foiled. He could be playing exactly the same trick in the MCU - but if so, he's just been forced to reveal himself to Sam Wilson.

7. The Falcon & Winter Soldier's Partnership

They may bicker and they may banter, but the trailer for The Falcon & The Winter Soldier proves Sam and Bucky are a good team. The two are shown clasping hands as allies, in what is clearly part of the same emotional scene shown earlier where Sam talked about the complicated legacy of Captain America. Earlier trailers have shown the shield itself at this location, with Sam practicing with it. It may well be this is a key moment in the series, with Bucky persuading Falcon to accept Steve Rogers' wishes and become the new Captain America.

6. Bucky Opens Fire

One brief shot in the Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer shows Bucky trading fire with unseen opponents. He seems to be a little dirtier and roughed-up in this shot, and the trucks around him appear to have been involved in a crash; it's possible Bucky himself was caught up in this 'accident.' This allows another glimpse at the new design of Bucky's arm, with beautiful patterns on his left fist. This may well be Wakandan technology, meaning the Winter Soldier's offensive capabilities could have been boosted by vibranium.

5. A Helicopter Attack In The City

One brief shot shows a helicopter diving down in an urban environment - possibly Hightown in Madripoor, perhaps suggesting Sam and Bucky's infiltration of Madripoor goes even worse than previously hinted. This is clearly a military chopper, and it opens fire on an unseen target. Given Falcon and Winter Soldier are unlikely to condone opening fire on a civilian environment, it's reasonable to assume the pilot is actually shooting at the heroes. If this is linked to Flag-Smasher, it's the first hint of truly advanced technology in the trailer.

4. Winter Soldier's Knife Flip

One amusing shot in the Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer shows Bucky performing a skillful knife flip before throwing the blade. He appears to be showing off, and it's possible the Winter Soldier is attempting to intimidate someone - perhaps Zemo. This is a useful reminder that, although this trailer is mostly focused upon Falcon, Bucky shouldn't be underestimated. He is one of the most skilled soldiers and assassins on the planet, a true force to be reckoned with.

3. Falcon Imitates Captain America

The Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer shows Sam Wilson unwittingly imitating Steve Rogers when he chooses to dive out of a military plane without a parachute. As amusing as the scene may be, though, it does offer some hints as to the plot; notice Sam and Bucky are working with what appear to be US soldiers, suggesting they wind up cooperating with the authorities. This is particularly interesting given you'd expect there to be conflict between Falcon and US Agent, and the latter would presumably have the most official pull. It's possible that, by the time of this shot, US Agent has fallen out of favor.

2. A Stunning Aerial Combat Scene

The highlight of the Falcon & Winter Soldier trailer is a stunning aerial combat scene, in which Sam Wilson demonstrates just how skilled he is by avoiding a flurry of missiles. These aerial dogfights have always been a highlight of movies featuring Anthony Mackie's Falcon. (Who can forget the superb sequences in Captain America: The Winter Soldier?). So this feels like a promise to viewers that the best is yet to come. The length of this does, however, feel a little jarring given the trailer is spending a lot more time with Falcon than with the Winter Soldier. It suggests Bucky is, once again, the sidekick rather than the star - even if he does get co-title billing in The Falcon & The Winter Soldier.

1. Falcon & Winter Soldier Banter

The Falcon & The Winter Soldier looks like a powerful, action-packed and highly political spy drama. For all that's the case, though, this is still a Marvel show, which means viewers can expect a lot of Marvel's trademark humor. The trailer stresses this by adding a stinger showcasing the banter between Sam and Bucky, with Falcon winding his partner up. Of course, the real mystery behind this scene is just why the two of them are walking down a road in the first place - Falcon has wings, and Bucky is hardly the type to take his time like this. The context for this brief scene will be fascinating.

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