In the fourth instalment of the “Captain America” franchise, Anthony Mackie, who played Sam Wilson (aka Falcon), is now helming the franchise as the eponymous lead.
As such, Joaquin Torres (played by Danny Ramirez) fills Mackie's previous role as the Falcon.
At a recent press conference, attended by the actors and a few other members of the cast and production, they were full of praise for one another.
More so, as they work closely together in “Captain America: Brave New World”, where Ramirez, a first lieutenant in the US Air Force, not only takes up the mantle of Falcon but is Sam’s ride or die on their latest mission to save the world.
On his new role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ramirez shared: “It’s been an absolute honour to, first of all, be entrusted to take over any mantle, let alone one that, as Falcon, but that Anthony Mackie himself established.
“And hearing his stories of the amount of letters he used to write Kevin, to bring him into the MCU, to me, it really humbles me in regards to just getting the audition and the opportunity to walk into something that's been established.
“But then also, that paralleled my life at the moment so much, which was just admiring the ability to work with some of my heroes and being able to admire them on set.
“And that was a dream come true for both Danny and Joaquin, and they made the job so easy. So shout out Anthony, shout out Harrison (Ford), and shout out MCU.”
He continued: “From the moment we got to set, I just got to throw down with someone that I've admired from a distance for a long time. It’s just been amazing to watch him (Mackie) be a leader on the set and create that culture that allows everyone to be themselves.
“And I think that also gave me confidence when I am in a scene and I'm able to make all these choices because I feel good about the energy on set. Also, there's no judgment. Everyone's rooting for each other. And so that, to me, also allows us to banter, to improvise.”
The 30-something actor is still finding his feet in the industry with a few movies and TV shows under his belt. That said, his zeal to make his mark and prove himself is unmistakable.
Talking about new faces, the inimitable Giancarlo Esposito also joins the franchise and slips into the villainous skin of Seth Voelker/ Sidewinder, who is the leader of the Serpent Society, a violent special-ops team.
He shared: “I feel just really honoured because to join the MCU is to join a franchise with a depth of integrity. And they're making films that mean something, and that they are entertaining.
“To me, the depth of this film is in its relationships. And the relationships that create empathy, friendship, trust, and suspicion are tantalising to me. And so I wanted to work with this group for a long time, and we know the story. There were some fan-casting suggestions for me.
"But what tickled me the most was to be doing something new and different and bringing a new character into this world.”
He continued: “I have a great depth of respect for Anthony Mackie as Captain America, who has all of the elements of charisma, but also the elements of leadership and morality, and someone who's lived it.”
Another exciting casting was Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross/ Red Hulk, the newly elected president of the United States who wants to work with Captain America.
As always, the MCU delivers on the adrenalin action, heartfelt drama and mindblowing cast.
In this film, Captain America and Falcon find themselves racing to save the day when a governing battle over adamantium's mining and distribution turns into an international incident with Sidewinder playing an integral role in the unfolding mayhem.
- “Captain America: Brave New World” is showing at cinemas nationwide.