After a week off, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is ready to fire it back up as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is set to debut on Disney+ this week. In a post-blip world, two of our favorite heroes try to adjust to their new lives – lives that don’t include Steve Rogers. The stars and creators of the new series gave us an idea of what we can expect to see in the upcoming six episodes during a virtual press conference today.
The press conference included Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, who star as the Falcon and the Winter Soldier respectively, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige, director Kari Skogland and writer Malcolm Spellman.
Mackie and Stan were asked about the progression of their characters, who we’ve now seen in multiple movies, and how they will be different in this series from what we’ve seen previously.
“Sam Wilson always evolved in Marvel Comics and now he’s evolved in the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” Mackie said. “So now I’m excited for people to see the new Sam Wilson.”
Stan talked about his long history with the character and how this new series will give us a closer look at Bucky’s mental state after everything he’s been through.
“10 years with this character it’s impossible. You grow and evolve with the character.” Stan added. “I think we’re really finally kinda of zooming in on his quest for identity and dealing with his past.”
Of course, what fans are really looking forward to most is probably the dynamic between Sam and Bucky, who have shared some incredibly entertaining screen time in the past. Mackie talked about his chemistry with Stan and how that translates to the screen.
“I think the great thing about it and what I enjoyed so much is you can’t find two people further opposite each other than myself and Sebastian but with a mutual respect and understanding for each other,” Mackie said. “We allow ourselves to be our best selves and we correct ourselves when we’re not our best selves.”
Stan provided some insight on that same topic but more from the standpoint of their characters.
“They are in some similar places at the start of the show because Steve’s missing,” Stan said. “They’ve got different things in their faces but they’re definitely in similar places in terms of questions they’re asking.”
Stan was also asked about what it was like to make a series that focuses on such dark and serious matters and yet features two truly hilarious characters.
“It was a fine line of making sure this was very grounded and very real and yet there was another piece to this in making sure it was fun.”
Mackie and Stan were also asked about which upcoming new characters they would like to share screentime with in the future. Stan interestingly specifically mentioned Oscar Isaac playing Moon Knight in the upcoming series and said he would like to be involved with that character. Mackie mentioned She-Hulk, who will also be coming to Disney+ in the future, and pleaded with Feige over appearing in the upcoming Blade film.
Feige was asked whether or not we can expect to see more seasons of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in the future.
“We really did approach it like we do the movies which is ‘we better make this great or we wont be able to do another one.’” Feige said. “Sometimes it will be in a second season, sometimes it will be in a feature and then in a second season.”
Mackie was asked about taking up the mantle of Captain America, after Steve Rogers passed the shield off to him at the end of Avengers: Endgame.
“Sam’s whole thing is he went on this Avenger journey over six movies with Steve because of his respect and admiration for Steve,” Mackie said. “That being said it’s the pain, the idea of not being able to go on these missions, not being able to help his friend.“
Mackie took it a step further, just to drive the knife into the hearts of Marvel fans who are missing Steve Rogers.
“Just like everyone else, you don’t want to see Steve Rogers go away, you don’t want to see Captain America go away.”
Feige was also asked about giving Marvel fans “what they need and not necessarily what they want.” That question likely hit a bit differently coming off of WandaVision, which saw fans make so many different theories regarding what might happen. Feige specifically brought up the idea of the “aerospace engineer” and how that sent fans into a tizzy over the potential future of that character.
Finally, Mackie teased that Marvel fans can expect some exciting things in this series beyond the first episode, without giving away too much information.
“There are many surprises throughout the show,” Mackie said. “Can’t say who they all are, but there are many surprises.”
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will debut on Disney+ on Friday, March 19.