Who is Joaquin Torres? Comic book origins of the new Falcon from Captain America 4 explored

The first trailer for Captain America 4, titled Captain America: Brave New World, was released online by Marvel Studios, and it featured Sam Wilson returning as Captain America to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The trailer saw the character once again be at odds with the government and even featured Thadeus "Thunderbolt" Ross turning into the Red Hulk.

While a lot was revealed in the first trailer for Captain America 4, it also gave us a brief glimpse of Danny Ramirez in action as the new Falcon, Joaquin Torres, alongside Anthony Mackie's Captain America. While many may not know, in the comics, when Sam Wilson turns into Captain America, Torres takes over the mantle of Falcon and becomes his successor.

Given that this was a setup made at the end of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, where Torres was left with Sam Wilson's old wings, it certainly looks like the film will be picking up from where that story left off, turning him into the Falcon. Let's check out his comic book origins and get to know the character better.

---

Joaquin Torres' origins explored amid Captain America 4 debut

In the comics, Joaquin Torres was created by Nick Spencer and Daniel Acuña and made his full appearance in Captain America: Sam Wilson #3 in November 2015. In the comics, he came to the United States when he was six years old. Growing up, he carried a massive passion for the Mexican community and would try to help where he could.

However, he ended up being captured by the Sons of the Serpent, who were rounding up folks near the border so that Karl Malus could experiment on them. Growing concerned about his disappearance, Joaquin's grandmother decided to seek out the help of Captain America. The hero found him in New York, where he was captured and ready to be experimented on by Malus.

Unfortunately, Sam Wilson was too late in saving him, and Joaquin was already turned into a falcon/human hybrid with the use of Redwing. Malus was eventually defeated, and Sam took Joaquin under his care. Here, Joaquin learned about his abilities and decided to become Sam's sidekick, where he helped him fight against the Serpent Society.

While Sam would remain as Captain America, Joaquin would assume the identity of the Falcon. From there on, he would form a bond with Sam and continue joining him on missions.

---

Joaquin Torres' origins in Captain America 4 might be different

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Joaquin Torres is Sam Wilson's friend and also served in the United States Air Force. He made his debut in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, played by Danny Ramirez, and when Sam Wilson lost his wings while in a fight with John Walker, he left the wings to Torres.

Given that the setup was already made in the show, we can expect a radically different Joaquin Torres in Captain America 4 compared to his comic book counterpart. While a lot of Joaquin's story involved mutation and experimentation, this version of the character will be a lot more grounded in reality, similar to how Sam Wilson.

Fans can check out Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres when Captain America 4 releases in theatres on February 14, 2025.