The Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen numerous evolutions over the years. However, one of the most major changes has been the departure of Steve Rogers as Captain America.
With ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ reigniting discussions around the transition, fans are once again reflecting on why the iconic hero stepped aside and why Sam Wilson was chosen to carry the mantle forward.
Steve Rogers’ Was The Perfect Captain America
Steve Rogers has always been defined by his selflessness. From the moment he was chosen for the super soldier serum in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’, it was his unwavering moral compass that made him stand out. It was never about strength.
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Additionally, he did what he was chosen for and led. However, even heroes need rest. The final chapter of Steve’s journey in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ saw him making one last sacrifice, not for the world, but for himself. After years of battle, he took the opportunity to live out the life he had always dreamed of with Peggy.
It was a poetic end for a man who had given everything for the greater good. When he returned to the present timeline as an old man, it was clear that his time as Captain America had come to a graceful conclusion. With this decision, Steve handed over his iconic vibranium shield to Sam Wilson. This marked the beginning of a new era for Captain America.
Why Sam Wilson Is A Better Fit For Captain America Than Bucky Barnes
When Steve Rogers decided to retire, two candidates stood out as potential successors: Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. While both had fought alongside Steve and proven their worth, Sam was ultimately the one chosen by Steve to carry the mantle forward. Bucky, while a fiercely loyal friend and a formidable fighter, carried the burden of his past as the Winter Soldier.
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His history of being used as a weapon by Hydra made him a complicated choice for the mantle. Additionally, while he had worked hard to atone for his past, stepping into the role of Captain America required someone with perfect ideas and not just strength. Sam Wilson, on the other hand, had always been a man of the people.
A former military veteran and counselor for fellow soldiers dealing with PTSD, he understood the struggles of everyday Americans in a way that made him the perfect successor. His unwavering sense of justice made him the natural choice. Steve saw in Sam the same spirit that once defined him.
