When Steve Rogers passed his shield to Sam Wilson at the end of ‘Avengers: Endgame’, it marked a major shift in the MCU. For years, fans debated whether Bucky Barnes should have inherited the title instead.
After all, Bucky had fought alongside Steve since World War II and had even wielded the shield in the comics. However, as ‘Captain America: Brave New World ‘reinforces, Sam Wilson was always the right choice.
Being Captain America Is More Than Just About Strength
Steve Rogers understood that Captain America wasn’t just about strength or having the Super Soldier Serum in his veins. It was about standing for something bigger than oneself and inspiring people. Moreover, Sam Wilson, with his unwavering moral compass embodied these values in a way that Bucky never could. Bucky’s journey in the MCU has been one of redemption.
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From being brainwashed as the Winter Soldier to fighting for his own identity, his past is filled with trauma and dark choices. He is a warrior, no doubt. However, he is not a symbol of hope in the way that Captain America must be. Sam, on the other hand, has always fought for others, not just on the battlefield, but in his everyday life. He was already a hero before he ever picked up the shield.
Sam Wilson’s Humanity Makes Him The Perfect Captain America
Unlike Steve or Bucky, Sam Wilson is not a super soldier. He doesn’t have enhanced strength or an indestructible body. However, that’s exactly why he’s the perfect Captain America. Sam represents what it means to be a hero in the truest sense. He’s an ordinary man who fights for justice despite the odds.
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Additionally, his military background as a pararescue specialist also prepared him for this role. He knows how to lead, how to protect, and most importantly, how to serve. Throughout the MCU, Sam has shown his abilities. He consistently proved that he had the heart and the conviction to be Captain America.
Meanwhile, Bucky found a different path, one that suits him far better. Rather than stepping into the limelight, he’s chosen to work behind the scenes. Due to this, he was a perfect fit for Thunderbolts, a team of complex, morally gray individuals. Moreover, Bucky was never meant to be a public symbol; he’s a soldier and a survivor.
