How Falcon And Winter Solider’s Sam Wilson Is More Like Tony Stark Now, According To Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/The Falcon in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is sure to provide fans with a number of exciting things, from the high-octane action to the Marvel Cinematic Universe Easter eggs. But what’s arguably most exciting about the Disney+ show is that it will thrust veteran supporting characters Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes into the spotlight and show new sides of them. Sam Wilson arguably has the potential to go through the biggest changes, since he’s seemingly the heir apparent to the mantle of Captain America. But Anthony Mackie has revealed that Wilson will actually be more like Tony Stark in some ways when we see him on the show.

On the surface, Sam Wilson and Tony Stark don’t seem to have too many similarities, yet they do ahve one thing in common -- they both sport cool superhero gear. Wilson’s wing pack has seen a few upgrades since his introduction in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, though they haven’t been nearly as extensive as the ones to Tony’s Iron Man armors. Now, Anthony Makie says Wilson will have tech that makes his character very “Tony Starkerized”:

The wings have become much more pliable, much more dynamic. He's much more of a winged force. Coming out of Endgame and being blipped out and blipped back in, it seems this time around, he really appreciates being alive. He's been even more 'Tony Starkerized' than before.

Anthony Mackie’s comments in Disney’s twenty-three publication (via. The Direct) match up with what we’ve seen so far. Falcon and Winter Soldier footage has shown Sam Wilson’s sleek new tech, and his wings seem to be the most advanced ones yet. While they were impressive in other films, it looks like the show is only going to greatly expand their capabilities.

Interestingly, Anthony Mackie also mentioned that Sam will have a greater appreciation for life, though you can’t blame him since he was technically dead for five years. It’s been suggested that the world is “upside down” (not unlike WandaVision) at the onset of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, so Sam will likely need this new outlook as he navigates his new reality.

Sam Wilson may be taking a few cues from the late, great Tony Stark, but he’s bound to embody some traits belonging to his old friend, Steve Rogers. A recent TV spot even had Sam quote one of Roger’s most famous sayings, and it’s honestly enough to give anyone chills.

Watching Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes grow in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is sure to be enjoyable for the MCU faithful. But honestly, it’ll also just be fun to see the two back together and bickering like their old selves again.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier lands on Disney+ on March 19th.

Erik Swann
Senior Content Producer

Erik Swann is a Senior Content Producer at CinemaBlend. He began working with the publication in 2020 when he was hired as Weekend Editor. Today, he continues to write, edit and handle social media responsibilities over the weekend. On weekdays, he also writes TV and movie-related news and helps out with editing and social media as needed. He graduated from the University of Maryland, where he received a degree in Broadcast Journalism. After shifting into multi-platform journalism, he started working as a freelance writer and editor before joining CB. Covers superheroes, sci-fi, comedy, and almost anything else in film and TV. He eats more pizza than the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.