The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showrunner Malcolm Spellman admits the writers discussed giving Sam the ability to speak to birds. It’s over a week out from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier‘s finale, but certain plot developments and alternate stories are still being discussed online. The series, which first began in mid-March, continued the journeys of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) in the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame. The emergence of new threats, as well as the uncertainty of a changed world around them, forced the two frenemies back together once again.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier culminated with a moment fans had been preparing for since the final moments of Avengers: Endgame. At long last, Sam accepted the mantle of Captain America, a decision he had been warring with for much of the show’s run. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 6, “One World, One People,” featured his debut in his new, comics accurate Captain America costume, and the week following the episode’s premiere saw a wave of additional changes, from the redesign of the official Captain America Twitter account to the development of Captain America 4.
Sam becoming Captain America follows along with the comics, as does his new costume. However, there’s one element from the source material that was rejected for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: Sam’s ability to communicate with actual birds. While speaking to UNILAD, showrunner Spellman was asked right out of the gate if he ever considered giving Sam that comics power, or if he’s considering it for Captain America 4 (as Spellman will reportedly co-write the script). Spellman answered:
Malcolm Spellman: It is… you know actually I’m gonna take a leap and answer this one because I don’t think I can get in trouble for it. It was discussed in the room but I don’t think anyone in the room felt like there was a way to do that right, you know what I’m saying?
I don’t know what’s gonna happen in Cap 4 though… I probably just overstepped with you [UNILAD] so that’s your one spoiler.
Spellman previously downplayed his involvement with Captain America 4, despite the initial announcement saying he would write it with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier staff writer Dalan Musson. It also isn’t necessarily confirmed that Sam will be the Captain America at the center of the film, though it seems very likely. As most MCU projects try to increase a hero’s skillset between projects (or at least change their costume), Captain America 4 could perhaps introduce Sam’s bird-talking comics ability. However, Spellman has a point when he says it’s a bit tricky to get right. This could easily veer into the realm of ridiculous, so the MCU might be better off avoiding it.
Though it isn’t certain just yet, there’s a great deal of anticipation surrounding Sam’s next MCU outing. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier proved to be an excellent showcase for him, digging deeper into his home life and his reasons for initially turning down the Captain America shield. Though some comics fans might be disappointed he isn’t capable of the same things as he is in the source material, it’s safe to say his depiction has turned out pretty well.
Source: UNILAD