As part of Phase Four, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is verging into new territory in the form of television series based on its expanding blockbuster universe. First up is The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, an upcoming series that partners up two of Captain America's previous partners to take on the world following Steve Rogers' retirement.
With little known about where the series will take the titular characters, let's look at all the information released so far about the MCU's first Disney+ series.
THE STORY SO FAR
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will pick up following the events of Avengers: Endgame. After being snapped back into existence, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes witness captain America travel through time to live the life he missed out on. Appearing again as an elderly man, Cap ends his run in the MCU by handing his shield to Sam.
The series will explore how Sam handles the new mantle of Captain America. He'll partner up with Bucky as he works to move on from his past as Hydra's top assassin. Together, they'll undergo a worldwide adventure that puts their skills to the test against a familiar foe, Helmut Zemo, and the anarchist group known as the Flag-Smashers.
TEASER
Fans got their first glimpse at The Falcon and the Winter Soldier during the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con. Actor Daniel Bruhl hijacked the presentation of the new series in a video that foreshadowed the return of Helmut Zero, even donning the iconic purple mask familiar the character is famous for in the comics. Then, early in 2020, an official teaser for Disney+'s upcoming content was released, including a look at The Falcon and the Winter Soldier that showed a small amount of footage from the series.
The official trailer for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier debuted in Disney's 2020 Investor's Day in December. It gives a sneak peek of the titular characters working together, as Sam struggles with the legacy of Captain America.
Another trailer dropped during the 2021 Super Bowl, which features Sam and Bucky in a tense therapy session.
FILMING
Filming for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier began on October 31, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. Shooting moved to Prague in March 2020 before production was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Months later, the Czech Republic announced it would be opening up its borders once more to film and television crews beginning in July. Production restarted in August in Atlanta and October in Prague, with cast and crew undergoing strict quarantine and social distancing measures.
CAST AND CREW
Malcolm Spellman serves as the creator and showrunner for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. His previous work includes the film Our Family Wedding and the TV series Empire. Spellman will also write the series alongside a group that includes Derek Kolstad, one of the creators of the John Wick franchise. All six episodes will be directed by Kari Skogland, who has notable credits on her resume that includes The Walking Dead, The Handmaid's Tale and The Punisher.
As the name suggests, Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan will be part of their characters' transitions from the big screen to the world of television, playing Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, respectively. The series will also see several other notable characters from the Cap universe returning, including Emily Van Camp's Sharon Carter, Georges St-Pierre's Georges Batroc and Daniel Brühl's Baron Helmut Zemo. Don Cheadle has also said that War Machine will be guest starring in Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
The show will also be the MCU debut of John Walker, aka the U.S. Agent. Played by Wyatt Russell, the comic character debuted in 1986 as villain "Super-Patriot" before taking the Captain America mantle for a couple of years. Adepero Oduye will play Sam's sister, Sarah. In the series, Walker will similarly be a militaristic successor to Cap created by the government. Desmond Chiam, Miki Ishikawa, Noah Mills and Carl Lumbly round out the cast of the series.
RELEASE DATE
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will premiere on March 19, 2021 on Disney+. It will consist of six episodes.
Directed by Kari Skogland, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier stars Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Emily VanCamp, Wyatt Russell, Noah Mills, Carl Lumbly and Daniel Brühl. The series is currently expected to premiere on Disney+ in 2021.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.