‘Avengers: Endgame’: How Captain America’s decision affects the MCU

WARNING: This post freely discusses that thing Captain America did during “Avengers: Endgame.” Do not read any farther if you haven’t seen the record-breaking movie: Major spoilers ahead. In comics, Bucky took on the mantle of Captain America in the aftermath of the 2006-07 “Civil War” storyline following Steve’s assassination. While Sam eventually relinquished the shield and title back to Steve, there was an undeniable significance to Sam actually being called “Captain America” — and not just “Falcon with Cap’s shield” — as he pushed for his own ideals. Because the “Captain America” films spent significant time developing Bucky and Steve’s relationship, there was reason to believe that Steve could’ve handed over his shield to his “oldest” friend.