"New World Order" | |
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The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode | |
![]() The first of several art posters released for the series, with art by SzarkaArt | |
Episode no. | Episode 1 |
Directed by | Kari Skogland |
Written by | Malcolm Spellman |
Cinematography by | P.J. Dillon |
Editing by |
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Original release date | March 19, 2021 |
Running time | 49 minutes |
Cast | |
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"New World Order" is the first episode of the American television miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Sam Wilson / Falcon and Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier. It follows the pair as they adjust to life after returning from the Blip at the end of Avengers: Endgame (2019). The episode is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It was written by head writer Malcolm Spellman and directed by Kari Skogland.
Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie reprise their respective roles as Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson from the film series, with Wyatt Russell, Erin Kellyman, Danny Ramirez, Georges St-Pierre, Adepero Oduye, and Don Cheadle also starring. Development began by October 2018, with Spellman hired to serve as head writer of the series. Skogland joined in May 2019. They focused on exploring the title characters, including themes related to Wilson's life as a Black superhero in America and his response to being handed the mantle of Captain America in Endgame. Filming took place at Pinewood Atlanta Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, with location filming occurring in the Atlanta metropolitan area and in Prague. An aerial battle was mostly filmed practically with Red Bull Air Force skydivers in wingsuits; Weta Digital integrated this and other footage with a digital background and additional effects.
"New World Order" was released on the streaming service Disney+ on March 19, 2021. It became the most-watched Disney+ series premiere, surpassing the series premiere of WandaVision. The episode received positive reviews from critics, with praise going to its opening aerial battle, the characterization of Wilson and Barnes, and the racial themes included. However, it received criticism over Wilson and Barnes not sharing any scenes together and there were some negative comparisons made between the episode and Marvel Television's Netflix series. The episode received several accolades, including a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Award nomination for Cheadle's role as James Rhodes.