Why the new Captain America is not a super soldier

Episode 2 of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier confirms that the MCU’s new Captain America is not a super soldier. But why doesn’t John Walker have powers?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a new Captain America thanks to The Falcon and the Winter SoldierBut why isn’t John Walker a super soldier? The end of Avengers Endgame created Sam Wilson, aka Falcon, to take over from Steve Rogers. However, the character’s Disney + series began with him relinquishing Captain America’s shield. While he thought this was the best decision, the government was quick to go against Sam’s best intentions and introduce someone else as Captain America.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Episode 2 correctly introduces the MCU’s new Captain America. After his quick appearance and wink that got fans looking at him immediately, the series began to show John Walker’s perspective. His grand presentation across the country included television interviews, press conferences and deployment on missions. This included the reveal that John Walker’s Captain America is not a super soldier. Unlike Steve Rogers (or even Bucky Barnes), Walker confirms that he doesn’t have super strength. This is a surprising development for the character given his comic history of being a true super soldier, so why is he lacking in powers in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier?

Related: Falcon & The Winter Soldier: Every MCU Easter Egg In Episode 2

Walker should be able to have super strength or powers similar to Captain America in the MCU right now. There are already several super soldiers in the MCU, but The Falcon and the Winter Soldier further introduced in this very episode. Isaiah Bradley, the first Black Captain America, appeared in episode 2 and confirmed his participation in the super soldier show. The government experimented on him and his blood was studied for thirty years while he was in prison. This should mean that the government has access to the super soldier serum. So not giving the new Captain America superpowers is a curious decision, but there are a few reasons why they might have decided not to.

Steve Rogers was a fantastic Captain America, but his superpowers also allowed him to continually go against the government. Now that the United States government was able to elect the new Captain America, they might have wanted someone else under their control. John Walker is an accomplished soldier, but he couldn’t take on the government alone. This could make him more obedient to his orders and sell him more like an everyday American who “earned” his stripes. There is also the possibility that the government may not be able to give John Walker the super soldier serum. The incredible Hulk made it appear that the serum used on Emil Blonsky was in a limited supply. The government may no longer have enough serum to empower Walker. Perhaps they are also waiting to give you powers until you prove yourself worthy of such abilities.

Although John Walker isn’t a super soldier right now, the MCU’s new Captain America could still get powers. The presence of the Flag-Smashers and their army of super soldiers is not a coincidence. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier I could see Walker get the serum and use it on himself for a better chance of fighting the Flag-Smashers. The show has even prompted the inclusion of Power Broker, who is responsible for giving Walker his powers in the comics. So while the MCU’s new Captain America isn’t a super soldier right now, there’s still plenty of time for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier to change that.

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