Who is LEGO 71031 Marvel Studios’ Captain America?

LEGO 71031 Marvel Studios introduces a minifigure version of the MCU’s second Captain America, but how did Sam Wilson come to take on the mantle of the beloved superhero?

The name Captain America was first given to Steve Rogers. When he retired back in time at the end of Avengers: Endgame, Steve handed the iconic vibranium shield, emblazoned with stars and stripes, to his friend Sam Wilson. Prior to then, Sam had been known as the Falcon, named for his unusual mode of flying: huge mechanical wings.

Sam had flown various missions for the US Air Force and later the Avengers, first appearing in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He also took Cap’s side in Captain America: Civil War, becoming a close friend and ongoing support to Steve while he still held the title of Captain America.

During Avengers: Infinity War, Sam was snapped and wiped from existence for five years by Thanos the Mad Titan. His was the voice that announced the return of all the people that Thanos had turned to dust in Avengers: Endgame, just before the army emerged through dozens of portals. After Sam received the shield from Steve, many assumed that Sam would immediately take on the role of Captain America in his stead.

However, with the release of the Disney Plus TV show, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, audiences were taken deeper into what exactly it would mean for a Black man to take on that mantle. The series tackled serious topics about race in America and what citizenship truly means worldwide. With Steve’s friend, Bucky (also known as the Winter Soldier) at his side, Sam came to terms with what it would mean for him to don the red, white, and blue uniform.

In the final episode, Sam took to the skies in vibranium wings, courtesy of Wakanda, in the patriotic colours of the American flag. Although it’s not clear yet whether we will get another season of the TV show, both Bucky and Sam are confirmed to star in a fourth Captain America movie. It’s clear, then, that Sam will return again and perhaps even get his own trilogy of films, as Steve’s Captain America did before him.

It’s this new suit that the LEGO Group has recreated in 71031 Marvel Studios. The attention to detail is impeccable, even including the minor changes made to the shield in the latest TV show, with silver lines attending extra emphasis to the central star. A key difference in Sam’s uniform is the base colour of white, in comparison to Steve’s blue, which is also reflected in the minifigure, from the goggles to the movable wings.

LEGO designer Mark Tranter also noted one key difference between the Captain America figure from the rest. He only has one expression, as the new hairpiece doesn’t fully cover the back of the head. As such, Sam’s grin is the only expression he’ll be able to offer in this version.

For more on this latest iteration of Captain America, check out our detailed review of 71031 Marvel Studios. You can also learn more about the full collection of Marvel minifigures in our video by clicking on the video above, or see our explainers on The Vision and Monica Rambeau.

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