While @skull101ify’s design showcases Bucky as Captain America, directors Joe and Anthony Russo have made it very clear why Sam is the right person to take up the moniker following Steve instead. Discussing the scene of “Avengers: Endgame” in which Steve passes his shield on to Sam with USA Today, the directors said Sam’s mindset and past make him the perfect choice for the role, whereas Bucky still has work to do before even being considered a hero.
“So far as matching the level of integrity of Captain America, Sam is pound for pound as morally forthright as anyone in the Marvel universe. And Bucky’s a damaged character,” Joe said. “Sam spends his time trying to repair other people who are broken by war, and it just feels like he has the same values as Captain America,” Anthony added.
While Bucky has come a long way since his time as the Winter Soldier (with Malcolm Spellman, the creator of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” clearing up that big question), becoming Captain America feels like it would stunt his growth — he needs to fix himself before he can ever consider taking up such a prominent role. He works better as a sidekick and confidant.
