6 Essential Rules for Becoming Captain America in the MCU Explained

Becoming an effective and revered Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) requires a distinctive blend of attributes. As the inaugural celebrity superhero within the MCU, Steve Rogers first donned the Captain America persona in 1943, well before Captain Marvel’s return to Earth in 1995 and Tony Stark’s revelation as Iron Man in 2008. To date, three individuals in the MCU have taken up this iconic mantle, each exhibiting different degrees of capability to wield the famed vibranium shield. However, not all contenders have what it takes to fulfill this critical role.

Steve Rogers epitomized the qualities inherently suited for this leadership position, while Sam Wilson honors his legacy with a modern approach that integrates his unique flair. Conversely, John Walker’s portrayal of Captain America in 2021’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier fell short, although he may find a more fitting identity as the rugged and morally complex US Agent. There are six essential traits that a man must embody to be the quintessential Captain America in the MCU, which may also serve as a blueprint for future heroes prepared to assume the mantle.

A Strong and Sure Leader

Steve Rogers: The Leader of the Avengers

Effective leadership is paramount for anyone stepping into the role of Captain America. Upon waking in the present day, Steve Rogers seamlessly transitioned into his role as the inaugural leader of the Avengers, managing a collective of formidable personalities in an incredibly daunting environment. Sam Wilson, poised to take on a similar leadership challenge in the forthcoming Captain America: Brave New World, will have the opportunity to step into this significant role.

Recent trailers indicate that Harrison Ford’s character, President Ross, will encourage Sam to help reassemble the Avengers, potentially formalizing Captain America as an official military title. Whether Sam will accept this challenge remains to be seen, but it could position him as the capable leader expected from the mantle. In stark contrast, it was difficult to picture John Walker fulfilling a leading role, contributing to his spectacular fall from grace.

Skilled and Brave Fighter

Captain America: A Soldier at Heart

Captain America with Mjolnir in Avengers Endgame

Though not the most defining quality, a formidable fighting capability is essential for any individual assuming the Captain America title. The super-soldier serum transformed Steve Rogers into a remarkable fighter, endowing him with peak strength, agility, durability, and speed. Sam Wilson, with his background as a pararescue veteran from the United States Air Force, possesses the combat skills necessary for excellence as Captain America.

MCU Captain America	Actor	Became Captain America In	Year
Steve Rogers	Chris Evans	Captain America: The First Avenger	2011
John Walker	Wyatt Russell	The Falcon and the Winter Soldier	2021
Sam Wilson	Anthony Mackie	The Falcon and the Winter Soldier	2021

John Walker illustrates that simply boasting a stellar military record does not warrant the title of Captain America. Despite being chosen for his accolades, including three Medals of Honor, Walker’s questionable actions during his tenure rendered him unfit for the role.

Fast and Tactical Decision-Making

Navigating Challenging Situations

Captain America with the Howling Commandos in Captain America The First Avenger

In addition to being a brave fighter and a capable leader, the ability to make quick tactical decisions is imperative for Captain America. Both Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson showcased this critical skill in numerous scenarios, from Rogers improvising his strategy against the Red Skull to Wilson’s rapid problem-solving during a crisis with the Global Repatriation Council. Unfortunately, John Walker’s decision-making resulted in a significant moral failing when he took the life of a Flag Smasher in cold blood.

Such a demanding trait is challenging for anyone, particularly Captain America, who often faces extreme scenarios with no straightforward solutions. This was particularly evident in pivotal moments across the Avengers films, as demonstrated in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War, where Rogers consistently made difficult choices, even against his teammates. Sam Wilson is likely to encounter similar dilemmas in his upcoming challenges within Captain America: Brave New World.

A Strong Moral Code

Defining Right from Wrong

Possessing a resolute moral compass is crucial for Captain America. Steve Rogers consistently stood firm in his beliefs regarding right and wrong, a characteristic that drew Dr. Abraham Erskine to him in 1943. Rogers believed he had a duty to uphold the ideals of heroism, a sentiment that guided him throughout his time as Captain America.

From his earliest appearances in Captain America Comics to pivotal moments throughout the MCU, Rogers’ moral fiber shaped his actions—from taking on Loki to protecting citizens during the Sokovia crisis and participating in the Time Heist against Thanos. In contrast, Sam Wilson shares this unwavering moral code, which fueled his attempts to reason with Karli Morgenthau instead of resorting to violence, a stark difference from John Walker’s choices.

Willingness to Pay the Ultimate Price

Putting Life on the Line

Captain America sacrificing himself in Captain America The First Avenger

Both Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson have repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice their lives for the greater good. Most notably, Steve appeared to sacrifice himself in Captain America: The First Avenger to thwart the Red Skull’s plans, only to be discovered frozen in ice years later. Throughout his journey, Rogers consistently expressed his readiness to lay down his life in defense of others across various films, such as The Avengers, Age of Ultron, Infinity War, and Endgame.

On the other hand, Sam Wilson did sacrifice his life during the battle against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, albeit he returned in Endgame. The relative safety of his initial endeavors as Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier may shift dramatically as he confronts powerful adversaries like the Red Hulk and others in Captain America: Brave New World. It’s difficult to envision John Walker demonstrating the same level of selflessness.

Captain America Must Be “A Good Man”

Erskine’s Charge to Rogers

Abraham Erskine calling Steve Rogers a good man in Captain America The First Avenger

Dr. Abraham Erskine imparted a crucial lesson to Steve Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger: the super-soldier serum amplifies the innate qualities of its holder. While it magnifies virtues in Rogers, it would exacerbate the darker tendencies in someone like Gilmore Hodge, illustrating that the serum does not inherently create heroism. By enhancing Rogers’ qualities, the serum made him uniquely worthy, allowing him even to wield Mjolnir. Although Sam Wilson has not taken the serum, his character fundamentally embodies the essence of goodness, affirming his eligibility for the role.

Unfortunately, the super-soldier serum has a notorious history of corrupting individuals with ulterior motives, including the infamous Red Skull, Abomination, and Red Guardian. John Walker, in an attempt to enhance his effectiveness as Captain America, fell victim to the same pitfalls, making him even less suitable for the role. As demonstrated through the narratives of Rogers and Wilson, only those who truly embody Captain America qualities can rightfully carry the name.

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