by Julie Catherine for @mar_tesseract
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is nearly here. This week, the highly anticipated second Marvel Studios series will debut on Disney+. But, before that, we’re here to showcase what to watch in preparation for the next installment of the MCU:
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
This film introduces many of the characters and plot elements that will be carried into TFATWS. The new series will go in depth into the legacy of Captain America, including his successor, Sam Wilson, and/or US Agent. So, going back to watch the second of this trilogy is a good idea heading into Friday. This film also marks the first appearance of Wilson alongside Sharon Carter, and reintroduces fans to Bucky Barnes, this time under the alias The Winter Solider.
Captain America: Civil War
Civil War is the conclusion of the Captain America trilogy and deals with Bucky’s problems head on. Barnes is said to have committed a series of terrorist attacks in Europe, which leads to a continent wide manhunt, yet was actually framed by Baron Zemo, a Sokovian psychologist whose family was killed in the final battle of Age of Ultron. Zemo appears once again in TFATWS, and seems to be the main villain of the series, this time sporting his iconic purple mask from the comics. Zemo has a grudge against the Avengers and used Bucky to get revenge, so the events of Civil War are bound to come up in the new show. This is also the first time we really see the rapport between Bucky and Sam. Their back and forth in Civil War is hilarious and captivating, particularly during their altercation with Spider-Man.
Avengers: Infinity War
Infinity War is the first of two truly game changing films in the MCU. The world is forever altered at the end of Infinity War, in which Thanos snaps his fingers to kill off half of all life in the universe, including Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. Infinity War provides some great Falcon and Winter Soldier moments, giving us a preview of what is hopefully to come with the Disney+ series.
Avengers: Endgame
Endgame is the conclusion of the Infinity Saga, and the film that says goodbye to Captain America after he’s reunited with Peggy Carter. TFATWS will deal with the fallout of Cap’s choice to go back in time, and will also directly address his decision to give the shield to Wilson, making it essential viewing before Friday.
Images courtesy of Marvel Studios and Disney+