Is The MCU’s New Falcon Actually A Monster?

In the upcoming movie “Captain America: Brave New World,” we won’t see Sam Wilson as the Falcon anymore, as he’s now taken on the role of Captain America. However, Marvel isn’t going to let the Falcon role go unused. Instead, Joaquin Torres, who you might remember from “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” will step into the Falcon’s wings in this new film. Even though he’s a fresh face for many Marvel Cinematic Universe fans, comic book readers are already acquainted with Joaquin’s story, as he inherited the Falcon title. Joaquin’s backstory in the comics is a heart-wrenching one that leaves us questioning if the new MCU Falcon will face a similar fate.

Sam Wilson and Joaquin Torres, in their roles as Captain America and Falcon respectively, are equipped with metallic wings on their costumes. Unlike his comic book version, MCU’s Joaquin Torres does not possess organic wings for flight; instead, he is a product of unscrupulous experiments by a new villainous group, the Serpent Society, who make their debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Contrary to any speculations about Falcon being a mutant, even with references to Wolverine’s Adamantium in “Captain America: Brave New World,” his abilities are attributed to these experiments.

Marvel’s New Falcon Comic Book History Explained

Joaquin Torres was born during Nick Spencer and Daniel Acuna’s tenure on the series “Captain America: Sam Wilson.” At that time, Spencer was writing two Captain America books, with “Captain America: Steve Rogers” serving as its sister title. While “Captain America: Steve Rogers” delved into Steve being brainwashed to become a covert Hydra agent, “Captain America: Sam Wilson” focused on Sam’s transition from the Falcon to taking over as Captain America, as he adapted to his new role.

Captain America required Falcon as his backup, a situation that eventually resulted in the emergence of Joaquin Torses. Born into the Mexican community and raised in Arizona, he was kidnapped by the Sons of the Serpent for a sinister purpose – to collect test subjects for Dr. Karl Malus. This villain has a deep-rooted fascination with superpowers, frequently conducting tests to push the boundaries of his scientific understanding.

In a unique transformation, Dr. Malus equipped Joaquin Torres with wings and talons derived from DNA sourced from Captain America’s avian companion, Redwing. This genetic modification bestowed upon Joaquin the ability to maintain his bird-like form indefinitely, unlike other subjects of Dr. Malus. It was during a confrontation with the Serpent Society that Joaquin made the decision to adopt the identity of Falcon permanently. Throughout his superhero tenure, Falcon has worked alongside Captain America and even joined forces with Ms. Marvel in her Champions team.

Will MCU Falcon’s Origin Follow the Comics?

In the series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Joaquin Torres played a lesser character, but it’s expected that his role may expand significantly in “Captain America: Brave New World.” So far, details about Joaquin’s personal background are scarce, including whether his Mexican heritage and immigration experiences play a part in his motivation to aid others. However, what is clear is that Joaquin is deeply loyal to Sam Wilson, and this loyalty could prove crucial when navigating espionage and encountering characters with hidden agendas.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), there’s a degree of borrowing from comic books, but most stories have been significantly adapted. For instance, we don’t foresee Joaquin Torres being transformed into a human falcon like Sam Wilson, who doesn’t possess a mental link with a real redwing bird. Instead, Redwing is a drone that Sam can operate using technology. However, if the hypothetical film “Captain America: Brave New World” were to follow the comics more closely, it could potentially grant Joaquin Torres similar abilities, possibly allowing the movie’s hidden villain to carry out this transformation.

In the fourth Captain America film, titled “Captain America: Brave New World,” Samuel Sterns, known as The Leader, reappears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe following his portrayal in “The Incredible Hulk.” Though he has only been glimpsed in the background of promotional clips and trailers for the movie, it’s suspected that he is orchestrating events from behind the scenes. Given The Leader’s potential involvement in Thaddeus Ross’ transformation into Red Hulk, there’s a possibility that he may also manipulate Joaquin Torres into becoming Falcon.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), there are numerous paths Joaquin Torres’ Falcon could take. However, as the storyline in “Captain America: Brave New World” illustrates, these paths ultimately converge, leading to him becoming another hero who will one day stand alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

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2025-01-17 22:41