The Falcon and the Winter Soldier cameo explained: Who is [SPOILER] and what their arrival means for the MCU
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s penultimate episode featured a major cameo that is sure to have viewers asking many questions. Here’s why that character could be pivotal for the MCU going forward. Spoilers ahead.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has wasted little time throwing us back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe that we recognize. That said, there is a lot about this new iteration of the MCU that we don’t recognize. And that is down to the ripple effects of Avengers: Endgame that will no doubt continue to be felt for years to come throughout Phase Four and everything that comes next.
The latest episode of the Disney Plus series introduced a major Marvel character in the form of a huge cameo. That character was the Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and she was played by the incomparable Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Who is Madame Hydra in the Falcon and the Winter Soldier?
Viewers undoubtedly sat up and paid attention when Julia Louis-Dreyfus marched her way onto the screen. Marvel Comics fans undoubtedly also sat up and paid attention when the character revealed that her name was Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.
In the comics, Valentina – or “Val” as can be but doesn’t like to be referred to as – was a longtime ally of Nick Fury’s as she soon became a leading member of S.H.I.E.L.D. An expert hand-to-hand combatant and formidable force in everything she did, it was hard not to be impressed by anything Valentina set her mind to in her early days in the comics.
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Furthermore, she was also Fury’s lover for a long time and occasionally flirted with Captain America when she had the chance.
Eventually, however, it was revealed that she joined Hydra as she became the terrifying Madame Hydra. However, taking things one step further, she successfully manipulated the organization and betrayed them so that she could join Leviathan instead – something that led to a war between the two powerful factions.
It’s unknown what Valentina’s purpose is in the MCU as of yet, but it’s clear that she wants to recruit John Walker. Perhaps she is indeed planning on living up to her comic book counterpart by becoming Madame Hydra and allowing the organization to find themselves another super soldier, or maybe Valentina represents the beginning of Leviathan’s reign on the modern day MCU.
Remember, Leviathan has popped up before in the MCU, playing something of a major role in Agent Carter as Peggy Carter crossed paths with them. Does Valentina’s arrival signify their return?
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier streams its finale next week on Friday on Disney+.
Watch The Falcon and the Winter Soldier finale trailer. dark. Next
Are you looking forward to seeing Julia Louis-Dreyfus return as Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine at some point in the MCU’s future? Let us know in the comments below!