When the original Avengers formed, more than half of the members had superpowers or superhuman assistance. Lacking that grounded element eventually grew into an issue as more superpowered members joined the team. By focusing more on the bigger issues and less on making an impact, accountability and personability waned as a result. Following the events of Sokovia, the Avengers rarely spent time in the public eye and even isolated themselves to a compound where no one could interact with them without an invitation. But with Sam Wilson taking on the role of Captain America, his ideals could change the future Avengers team for the better.
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Unlike Steve Rogers or Bucky, Sam took on the massive responsibility of the shield without a super-soldier serum. Though The Falcon and the Winter Soldier would lead viewers to believe this put him at a disadvantage, it actually showed his resourcefulness. Sam didn’t have superhuman reflexes, but he did have the training and tools to keep up with the likes of the superpowered Flag-Smashers. Never taking the serum exemplified Sam’s value in his abilities and the importance of making sure others believed anyone could be Captain America.
Sam Wilson became Cap when the issues of the world were more delicate than they had ever been. Tony Stark bringing half the population back after five years caused an economic and political upset that left many without homes and gave the world a common struggle. Like the Avengers, the world governments lacked accountability for their mistakes as they rebuilt the world and chose to hide behind their desks rather than face the issues head-on.
The moment Sam made his first speech as Captain America, he reminded them that the old ways of running and hiding wouldn’t work, and the importance of going out in the trenches as a team to succeed. At that moment, Sam showed the world the type of leader he would be to the Avengers and how things would change under his ideals. For the world to heal together, it’ll take a public approach that the Avengers never explored with the original team.
With Sam at the helm, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have the potential to bring the Avengers further into the public eye and help countries in need. Doing anything from spending time with kids to mounting relief efforts. The Avengers would enact the same social exercises that Sam used to help veterans, but instead use them to reach out to civilians. Whether in times of crisis or peace, each hero would spend less time hiding from the people and more time inspiring and empowering them in the same way Sam did to so many when he appeared as Captain America.
Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has established that things are changing. The world is being introduced to a new Captain America and new heroes like She-Hulk and Shang-Chi. But thanks to Sam, when the Avengers return, they won’t stay the same. They’ll be more hands-on and inspire people just as much as they save them. With Sam Wilson’s leadership, the high-flying hero will ground the Avengers in a way that has yet to be seen in the MCU.
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