After a critical and financially successful debut with WandaVision, Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues on Disney + with the premiere of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The six-episode miniseries will begin six months after the events of Avengers: Endgame after Steve Rogers / Captain America (Chris Evans) passed his shield on to one of his closest confidants Sam Wilson / Falcon (Antony Mackie). Wilson will join Roger’s best friend, Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) to face a global threat from an anti-patriotism organization known as Flag-Smashers, led by Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman).
Notable MCU characters to appear on the series include Baron Helmut Zemo (Daniel Brühl), Sharon Carter / Agent 13 (Emily VanCamp) and James “Rhodey” Rhodes / War Machine (Don Cheadle). With the series premiering on Friday, March 19, now is the perfect time to go back and watch the following films as an update to everything you need to know to get in. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Captain America: the first avenger (2011)
The first film in the Captain America trilogy, The first Avenger it was the MCU’s introduction to the Super Soldier Serum when Steve Rogers took on the mantle of Captain America to face the Red Skull in the 1940s.
Why is it important? The first Avenger does a great job of exploring what kind of man Steve Rogers is before he becomes a superhero. Rogers’ integrity shows us the weight of Captain America’s mantle. It is more than just a suit and a shield, there is substance behind these stars and stripes. In addition, the film investigates the relationship he has with Bucky Barnes and what kind of person he is before being brainwashed by Hydra to become the killer known as Winter Soldier.
Where to stream? Now broadcasting on Disney +, Prime Video, fuboTV and Epix.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
A political thriller in the form of a superhero film, Captain America is accompanied by Black Widow and Falcon, as they team up to fight a mysterious assassin and a conspiracy within an infiltrated SHIELD
Why is it important? The winter soldier is the introduction to post-BuckyThe first Avenger and the introduction to Sam Wilson. Both characters are Steve Rogers’ closest friends, with Wilson meeting Rogers today and Bucky meeting him since childhood. Like the Winter Soldier, Bucky’s combat skills are on par with Captain America; however, he is brainwashed and suffers from a memory problem. With the Hydra version of the Super Soldier serum and his vibranium arm, the Winter Soldier is as much of a threat as Captain America and his shield.
Where to stream? Now broadcasting on Disney +.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
The last film in the Captain America trilogy, Civil war it was a turning point in the MCU when the Avengers split into two opposing factions after disagreeing about international oversight. After Bucky is accused of an explosion at the United Nations, the Avengers implode each other while Steve Rogers protects his childhood friend.
Why is it important? Civil war may be the most important film for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier because it introduces Baron Helmut Zemo to the MCU, exposes the Winter Soldier’s backstory and shows hints of the relationship between Falcon and Winter Soldier. During the film, Bucky loses his arm after a fight with Iron Man and is later frozen in Wakanda during the post-credit scene.
Where to stream? Casting now on Disney + and Sling TV
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Thanos finally arrived to collect the Infinity Stones for his Infinity Gauntlet and complete his plan to win half the life in the universe.
Why is it important? After being thawed during the post-credit scene of Black Panther, Bucky receives a new vibranium arm created by Wakandan technology. This is the first time that Falcon and Captain America have appeared on the MCU since they were in the race following Civil war. The holders of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier are turned to ashes after Thanos snapped his fingers after gathering all the Infinity Stones.
Where to stream? Casting now on Disney + and Sling TV
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Located five years after the events of Infinite War, the Avengers restore the order of the universe by defeating Thanos and undoing their path of destruction caused by the Infinity Gauntlet.
Why is it important? Since The Falcon and the Winter Soldier occurs 6 months after the events of Endgame, there will certainly be direct connections between the two. At the end of Endgame, after returning the Infinity Stones to their proper schedules, Captain America chooses to live a full life and is seen as Old Steve Rogers, who is approximately 106 years old. He decides to pass on his cloak and give his shield to Sam Wilson, who will take him to the next series.
Where to stream? Now broadcasting on Disney + and Sling TV.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will start airing on Friday, March 19, exclusively on Disney +.
Raymond McCain