We’ve already claimed Sam Wilson/Captain America as our valentine for this year. But you know what? We’re claiming another: Joaquín Torres. Maybe that makes us greedy. But it’s only fair considering Captain America: Brave New World comes out on Valentine’s Day, and it’s only right considering how thrilled we are about the new Falcon.
Here’s why we’re looking forward to Danny Ramirez’s Falcon in Captain America: Brave New World:
Learning More About Joaquín Torres
Ramirez isn’t new to the Marvel world (he was in FOX’s X-Men universe-based TV series The Gifted), but he made his MCU debut in 2021’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier as Joaquín Torres. But we don’t know too much about him. He’s a United States Air Force lieutenant and always willing to help Sam. He’s also determined and courageous.
And dare we say Joaquín is a fanboy (Top Gun: Maverick pun not intended but still appreciated)? We all saw how he excitedly cheered on Sam during their first mission together.
While we don’t expect to find out his full backstory in Captain America: Brave New World, we’re still eager to learn more about who he is as a person and hero and what he offers both on the ground and in the air.
Another Everyman to Root For
Don’t get us wrong. Superpowered individuals are cool and all. But, even in a world with Super Soldiers, aliens and time travel, sometimes it’s nice to see an everyman be the hero. That’s one reason why seeing Joaquín inherit a superhero mantle — just as Sam has — is exciting!
As far as we know, unlike in the comics, the MCU’s Joaquín is just an ordinary guy. He has no superpowers or physical enhancements that make him different from the average human, and that’s perfectly fine. Because, as beneficial as it is to have special abilities, that’s not what makes a hero. (Don’t forget — Steve Rogers was chosen to receive the Super Soldier Serum because he’s a good man, and Sam Wilson was chosen as the next Captain America for the same reason.) Joaquín is another reminder that, even without enhanced abilities or special powers, you are still enough and worthy of being the hero.
It’s inspiring to see everyday people do good and fight for what’s right just because. Joaquín showed a glimpse of that in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier when he tried taking on Flag Smashers by himself. He gets a chance to do so again in Captain America: Brave New World, but, this time, as the official Falcon — complete with the fancy suit, wings and all.
Bringing (More) Charisma and Charm to Falcon
Whether partnering up with Steve or working alongside Bucky Barnes, Sam was always the more charismatic and personable of the two. Sure, Steve would contribute his own lighthearted banter from time to time, and Bucky’s sarcasm was endearing even though it often stemmed from annoyance and/or defensiveness. Neither ever really competed with Sam’s charisma and charm, though.
But now? Sam has some competition.
In the closing clip for one of Captain America: Brave New World’s trailer spots, Ramirez shows off the effortless charm that Joaquín can offer. He lightheartedly challenges Sam, “Tell me I don’t make your old gear look brand new” all while posing and showing off his Falcon suit. Sam responds with the charisma we’ve come to know and love. It’s so clear how well they mesh and how much their energies complement each other.
The movie, as a whole, gives off political thriller vibes. But with the energetic allure Joaquín and Sam offer, expect more playful moments to love.
Joaquín’s Partnership with Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson
The Captain America realm of the MCU has already given us great bromances. We’re hopeful Captain America: Brave New World solidifies another one in Sam and Joaquín.
Although the two have already had time together in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, their relationship there will differ from what we’ll see in this next Captain America movie. Joaquín willingly provided help and support when Sam needed it, but there was a distance between the two men. They weren’t really working together as a unit. Rather, Joaquin was more akin to an assistant and not even a sidekick.
Joaquín’s dynamic with Sam can evolve from being in awe of helping with an Avenger to being his equal and peer, partnering with an Avenger (hopefully as a fellow Avenger himself). They’ll fight alongside each other and go into the field together as each other’s support. Just the mere thought of them both flying through the air and taking out opponents is exhilarating. So there’s great potential for them to become a fun superhero duo. But, according to Captain America: Brave New World director Julius Onah, Joaquín and Sam also have a familial relationship.
“There’s this incredible big brother/little brother dynamic between them,” Onah told Empire. “It’s going to be one of the key emotional centers of the film.”
Mackie also spoke about the characters’ relationship to Entertainment Weekly: “We have more of a friendship as opposed to the way I admired Steve or the way I didn’t like Bucky.”
More Diversity Amongst MCU Heroes
If Marvel really wants to reflect the world outside of our windows, then having a Mexican Falcon alongside a Black Captain America is a great direction to go. Especially now. Given the current political climate of the US and the federal government’s lack of care for diversity, equity and inclusion, having and embracing an MCU with diverse heroes is a must. It’s an act of rebellion and a way to stand up for voices often marginalized. So yes, we will gladly accept, root for and be excited about Joaquín Torres being Falcon.
The Reason That Goes Without Saying
Last but not least: Because he’s Danny Ramirez.
Captain America: Brave New World is in theaters on February 14.
