Top Gun: Maverick star Danny Ramirez only had a minor role in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, though it quickly became apparent that Joaquin Torres and Sam Wilson are good friends.
Torres was The Falcon's wingman in the Disney+ series, though comic book fans will know that he eventually inherits that superhero mantle from Sam after his buddy becomes Captain America. We wondered if the same thing would happen in the MCU, and Captain America: New World Order director Julius Onah has now confirmed that it is indeed the plan for the 2024 movie.
Ramirez was announced as being part of that project during D23, though Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige only really hinted that he might become the new Falcon.
Onah, however, tells Screen Rant that exploring Torres' transformation and his friendship with Sam is one of the things he's most excited about.
"I’m thrilled, you know, Danny Ramirez, who’s playing Falcon, he and I go back a bit, so and Anthony’s somebody I’ve been a huge, huge fan of as well," the filmmaker says. "So getting to work with them, first of all, director to actor, and then being able to shape these characters, and take the relationship forward is incredible."
"And their relationship is one of my favorite ones in this movie it really helps form the emotional core of how Sam has to define himself as Captain America, because he loves this guy," Onah continues. "They are both soldiers, they’re brothers, and their journey, I think, is going to be something that really resonates with audiences."
A new Falcon is definitely something to look forward to, and while we don't know much about the MCU's Joaquin, Ramirez's star is very much on the rise. We're assuming Sam will keep his wings as Captain America, so seeing these two head into battle together promises to be a real thrill ride.
Captain America: New World Order arrives in theaters on May 3, 2024.