Another Marvel Cinematic Universe series is just around the corner in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which will continue the story of the titular characters and show what the world at large became after the events of Avengers: Endgame changed the status of the series.
With the characters having been absent onscreen for such a long time, and the series hyped in the interim, fans have had the time to speculate the storylines that might show up here. To this end, there are theories that have been so well-thought that they are perfect to be incorporated. On the other hand, some are so outlandish that it’s very difficult to see them coming true.
Unlikely: Red Skull Got Freed From Vormir And Returned To Earth
According to this theory, the Red Skull hasn’t changed his malevolent ways from Captain America: The First Avenger (which some consider an abandoned storyline by now). The theory considers the Red Skull to be behind the events of the TV series after returning from Vormir.
What’s not good about this idea is that it’s a huge backtrack for the MCU, as returning the Red Skull to the series will mean that the Falcon and The Winter Soldier will only be getting a recycled villain rather than someone who can truly challenge them. Not to mention Vormir was never connected to these two characters so it would be completely out of the left field.
Best: John Walker Will Be Revealed As The Villain
There are several things fans already know about the series so far, with one of them being the presence of John Walker, a U.S. Agent who is the replacement of Captain America. This theory considers the possibility of Walker actually being a bad guy all along and looking for Captain America’s shield.
It’s a valid theory since Walker might not like the fact that Steve had chosen Sam to be the next Captain America. He might desire it for himself. Walker being an evil version is a far better way to go.
Unlikely: Falcon And The Winter Soldier Are Actually Zemo's Henchmen
As far as far-fetched theories go, this one might just be beyond comprehension. According to this theory, Zemo is actually a good guy of sorts who wants to take down the Flag-Smashers and has employed Falcon and The Winter Soldier as his henchmen.
Considering Zemo’s characterization in the comics, it seems virtually impossible for him to be revealed as the protagonist or for the Winter Soldier to even consider working for him. Especially since Zemo had framed him in Captain America: Civil War.
Best: The Government Will Use Zemo As A Propaganda Figure
With Zemo being in the government's custody the last time fans had seen him, it’s possible that he’s working for them. This theory predicts that the government will be revealed as the ones using all the villains in the series as a way to validate the Sokovia Accords again.
There are still unanswered questions about the MCU that the series needs to answer, with this theory one of the ways to confirm that the government is still against the superheroes. Zemo working as their bogeyman of sorts will align with his character since it will allow him to take down the superheroes he despises.
Unlikely: Falcon Will Be A Poor Captain America And Will Keep Messing Up
The dynamic between the main characters has paved the way for lots of memes, but it would be awful if it turns out that Falcon is a joke as Captain America. This theory bets on the idea that Falcon will continue to mess up and that the Winter Soldier will always have to bail them out.
According to this person, Falcon will keep trying to be a good Captain America but won’t have any success. In turn, his frequent mistakes would then turn the Winter Soldier's “don’t do anything stupid” quote into a catchphrase.
Best: Sharon Carter Will Take The Place Of Black Widow
The romance between Sharon and Steve divided many fans of the MCU, with many considering her to be undeveloped as a character. This theory is a good way to remove such qualms, as it considers the chance that Sharon Carter will take up the role Black Widow provided.
The idea is that she will form a connection with Sam Wilson after he accepts being Captain America, with the two then having the same kind of partnership that Steve and Natasha had back in the day.
Unlikely: The Winter Soldier Will Once Again Be The Villain
According to this theory, the TV series will basically recycle the plot of Captain America: Civil War by showing that Zemo will once again manipulate the mind of Bucky Barnes.
Considering the friendships he has made and the bond he has formed with the other Avengers, it’s not possible that the series will turn him into a villain now. It’s also backtracking on nearly a decade of character development, as turning him into a bad guy will undo the events of all the movies he’s been a part of.
Best: Sam And Bucky Will Become Team Captain America
The idea of the main characters becoming a full-on team rather than a reluctant duo will be a good way to close out the series, with this theory diving right into the idea. According to it, the Falcon and the Winter Soldier will join forces to become Team Captain America.
Their larger roles in Captain America: The Winter Soldier make it arguably the best in the trilogy, and it would come full circle if these two turned out to be worthy of the shield at the same time. The theory considers the chance of the heroes sharing the title of Captain America this way.
Unlikely: Baron Mordo Is Stealing Superhero Powers
Characters from movies of different genres finally meeting is hard to believe. However, according to this theory, there is a chance that Baron Mordo (from Doctor Strange) may be making an appearance.
The logic here is that Mordo not only doesn’t want sorcerers in the world but that he is also against the ideas of superheroes in general and will appear in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier to steal their powers. Once again, the odds of this happening seems unlikely, especially since there is just too much of a contrast in styles for this to work. It also seems illogical since Mordo doesn’t have any connection to these characters.
Best: Rhodey Will Make Amends With Sam And Give Him The Push To Be Captain America
It’s been confirmed that James Rhodes will be appearing in the TV series, which is a great way for him to interact with Falcon, who haven't spoken to each other after Rhodes was paralyzed in Civil War. This theory claims that his role would be to bring closure to this arc.
This user believes that Rhodes will appear and tell Sam to forgive himself for what happened in Civil War. They believe Rhodey's talk will push Sam to embrace the Captain America role by pointing out the reason why Steve had handed him the shield. It’s a great way to close out a story that began five years ago.