Home News Update from the Marvel Cinematic Universe: A New Era of Heroes Begins in 'Captain America: Brave New World'

Update from the Marvel Cinematic Universe: A New Era of Heroes Begins in 'Captain America: Brave New World'

Author : Sebastian Update : Feb 20,2025

Six years after the Avengers disbanded following Thanos' defeat and Tony Stark's demise, the world once again requires its mightiest heroes. With new Avengers films slated for 2026 and 2027, the MCU must swiftly reassemble the team. This crucial recruitment process begins in Captain America: Brave New World.

Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore explains the strategic delay in reforming the Avengers post-Endgame: "We knew if we jumped right back into the Avengers after Endgame, we wouldn't give people a chance to miss it." He emphasizes the historical importance of Captain America's central role in successful Avengers teams. Following Steve Rogers' passing of the shield to Sam Wilson, the MCU invested time in developing Wilson's leadership skills, a journey explored in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Now, in Brave New World, Wilson confidently embraces his role as Captain America, but faces the formidable challenge of leading a new Avengers team.

A marketing clip reveals President Ross (Harrison Ford), succeeding the late William Hurt, tasks Wilson with restarting the Avengers initiative. This might surprise fans, considering Ross's role in establishing the Sokovia Accords. Director Julius Onah clarifies Ross's evolution: "The man that we're meeting now is...a diplomat...who sees and understands the errors of his past and wants to do better." Ross's military background underscores his recognition of the tactical advantage a superhero team provides.

This new Avengers team will differ significantly from its predecessor. Captain America's official government role, established in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, positions the team as a branch of the US 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."

Sam Wilson assumes Captain America's ultimate responsibility: leading the Avengers. | Image credit: Disney / Marvel Studios

Ross's interest likely stems from the discovery of a world-altering substance: Adamantium, revealed at San Diego Comic Con 2024. The petrified Celestial from Eternals serves as its source, potentially sparking a global arms race. A superhero team becomes a strategic asset. Moore states: "I think certainly any nation that has a group of Avengers has a leg up over anyone else."

Sam Wilson's Captain America Journey in the Comics

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The potential for conflict between Ross and Wilson is significant, given their history. Onah highlights the palpable tension: "These are things that when these two men walk into a room, that tension between them is palpable."

The possibility exists that John Walker and his morally ambiguous Thunderbolts team could become Ross's Avengers. The upcoming Thunderbolts film, preceding the Avengers films, may reveal this outcome. This scenario would leave Wilson free to assemble his own independent team, potentially aligning with Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.

Regardless, Brave New World marks a pivotal step in Wilson's journey towards leading the Avengers. Onah emphasizes Wilson's empathy as his superpower, crucial to his leadership. Moore adds: "Hopefully by the end, [we’ll have] him and the audience go ‘There certainly could be no one else’. He is Captain America..."

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