Marvel Unveils New Era with "Captain America: Brave New World"

Six years after the Avengers disbanded following Thanos' defeat and Tony Stark's death, the world once again needs its mightiest heroes. With new Avengers films slated for 2026 and 2027, the MCU is swiftly reassembling the team, starting with Captain America: Brave New World.

Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore explains the strategic delay in forming a new Avengers team after Endgame, stating, "We knew if we jumped right back into the Avengers after Endgame, we wouldn't give people a chance to miss it." The film builds upon Sam Wilson's journey as Captain America, a transition explored in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Now, Wilson faces a new challenge: leading the next generation of Avengers.

A marketing clip reveals President Ross (Harrison Ford), succeeding the late William Hurt, tasks Wilson with restarting the Avengers initiative. This is surprising, considering Ross's role in creating the Sokovia Accords. Director Julius Onah clarifies Ross's evolution: "The man that we're meeting now is a man who is an elder statesman, who's a diplomat, who's turning a new leaf...He wants to initiate the Avengers because they could be a benefit to the world." Ross's military background highlights his understanding of strategic advantages.

This new Avengers team will differ from its predecessor. Captain America's role is now officially part of the US government, making the Avengers a branch of the defense department. Moore explains Ross's motivation: "He certainly realized that the Avengers left unchecked may not be the best idea...he figures why not do it first before somebody beats me to the punch."

However, Ross's interest likely stems from the discovery of a world-altering substance: Adamantium, unearthed from the petrified Celestial in Eternals. This discovery could trigger a global arms race, making a superhero team a significant asset. Moore emphasizes the tactical advantage: "I think certainly any nation that has a group of Avengers has a leg up over anyone else."

Sam Wilson's Path to Captain America in the Comics

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The film explores the complex relationship between Ross and Wilson, highlighting the tension stemming from Ross's past actions and the Sokovia Accords. Onah focuses on Wilson's emotional journey: "It was really cool to then put him opposite somebody who had divided the Avengers in the past."

The possibility of John Walker leading a government-sanctioned Avengers team in Thunderbolts is raised, leaving Wilson potentially free to assemble his own independent team. This sets the stage for the arrival of Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.

Onah emphasizes Wilson's worthiness as Captain America, highlighting his empathy as a key strength: "Historically the Avengers have been led by a Captain America, and Sam Wilson is very much so a worthy one...why [is he worthy]?" Moore adds, "I don't think Sam would be prepared to lead the Avengers until he truly believed that he was Captain America."

With only two films between Brave New World and Avengers: Doomsday, Wilson's recruitment efforts will likely be featured in Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. The formation of Avengers 2.0 begins here.