At the end of Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson publicly accepts his place as the new Captain America and all the responsibility that comes with the role. This includes working alongside the people in charge to create lasting change. In Brave New World, that means working with the newly elected President, Thaddeus Ross—whether he likes it or not.
Like anyone stepping into a big role, Sam faces the mental and emotional toll of expectations, self-doubt, and the challenge of doing what’s right in a complicated world. But he knows that being a hero isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, even when it’s tough.
Stepping Up
Five months into Ross’ presidency, Sam Wilson is working with the U.S. government to maintain global stability. Alongside his partner, Joaquin Torres, he recovers a stolen canister from the Serpent Society. This earns them an invitation to the White House. There, they learn the canister holds the first sample of adamantium, a newly discovered metal from “Celestial Island,” formed by the emergence of Tiamut in the Indian Ocean.
During the announcement, the song “Mr. Blue” begins to play, triggering several men, including Isaiah Bradley, to open fire on Ross and other dignitaries. They are quickly subdued by Ross’s head of security, former Black Widow Ruth Bat-Seraph, but afterward, they have no memory of the attack. The event sends the nation into a frenzy, placing Sam in an impossible position. He must protect national security while also seeking justice for Isaiah.
The Weight of Doing What’s Right
With the country on edge and Isaiah wrongfully imprisoned, Sam is once again forced to operate outside the government to uncover the truth. He and Joaquin discover that the real mastermind behind the attack is Dr. Samuel Sterns, whose intelligence was enhanced after exposure to Bruce Banner’s blood in The Incredible Hulk. Ross had secretly imprisoned Sterns at Camp Echo One, blamed him for Abomination’s actions, and leveraged him as a tool to secure the presidency.
Ross’s decision to manipulate events instead of taking responsibility is a reflection of a common struggle: the temptation to take the easy way out. When we’re faced with challenges, it can be easier to shift blame, ignore difficult emotions, or seek a shortcut rather than address the root of the problem. But integrity means making hard choices, even when they come at great personal cost. Growth and healing require us to confront our struggles head-on, not avoid them.
The Breaking Point
Sterns’ ultimate plan unfolds during a firefight between Japanese and American forces at Celestial Island. The pills Ross had been taking—given to him by Sterns—had been saturating his body with gamma radiation for over a decade. The ensuing conflict is designed to push Ross to his breaking point, triggering his transformation into a Hulk-like figure. Though Sam manages to prevent war and restore peace between the two fleets, Joaquin is severely injured in the process.
As Joaquin recovers in the hospital, Bucky visits to offer Sam some words of support. Bucky reminds Sam that he doesn’t need super soldier serum to be Captain America. He points out that Sam’s greatest strength has always been his ability to see the person behind the fight and to reach people even when they’re at their worst. “Steve gave people something to believe in. And you give them something to aspire to.” This conversation lingers with Sam, shaping the decision he makes later.
Regaining Control
Sterns succeeds in activating Ross’s transformation later, during a White House speech. As Ross rampages, Sam eventually puts down the shield and chooses to show empathy. He reminds Ross of his past, of his visits to Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossom trees with his daughter Betty. This moment brings Ross back from the brink, and he turns back to normal.
While none of us will turn into the Hulk, we all have moments where we feel like we’re losing control of our emotions. Stress, frustration, or trauma can build up until we feel ready to explode. In these moments, grounding techniques—like deep breathing, focusing on a calming memory, or engaging in mindfulness—can help bring us back to ourselves.
Living with the Weight of Expectation
As the film closes, Joaquin tells Sam he wants to be just like him. In response, Sam admits that the pressure gets to him. “It weighs on you,” he tells Joaquin. “It makes you wonder if you’ll ever just be… enough.”
No matter how strong or successful someone appears, doubt and exhaustion can creep in. Leadership, responsibility, and doing the right thing come with an emotional price. Sam’s honesty about the weight of his role is a reminder that even heroes struggle, and it’s okay to acknowledge when the burden feels heavy.
True strength isn’t about carrying everything alone. It’s about recognizing when the load is too much and finding ways to manage it. Whether it’s through support, self-reflection, or simply taking a step back to breathe, acknowledging our mental health is just as important as any physical battle.
Therapy With a Cinematic Approach
Movies have a way of capturing emotions, experiences, and struggles that can be hard to put into words. At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand how these challenges can affect your emotional and mental well-being. We use cinema therapy to help clients connect with stories that mirror their journeys, offering fresh perspectives and deeper self-understanding. By exploring characters, themes, and emotions on screen, we create a space for reflection, healing, and personal growth—because sometimes, the right film can say what you’ve been feeling all along.
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Photo Credit: Marvel Studios
