Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan’s real-life relationship had a big effect on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Director Kari Skogland talked to the Toronto Sun about the big finale tonight and she couldn’t say enough about her two stars. The core relationship of the series would have to be Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes actually becoming friends after the death of Captain America. Both men need to chart their own course in life without Chris Evans’ stalwart hero around to help push them. Mackie and Stan are known for those hysterical interviews where they bounce off of each other. That sort of familiarity breeds a measure of comfort and Skogland wasn’t afraid to lean into that with her choices behind the camera. Missing Evans’ centering presence is something you can feel earlier in the series as well when both Sam and Bucky try to complete a mission with wildly contrasting strategies.
