Captain America Heralds New Era for Avengers

Six years after the Avengers disbanded following Thanos' defeat and Tony Stark's death, 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, stating the need to allow audiences to miss the team. He highlights Captain America's central role in successful Avengers iterations, emphasizing the time investment in developing Sam Wilson into a capable leader, a journey documented in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Now, Wilson confidently embodies Captain America, but faces the formidable challenge of leading a new Avengers team.

A promotional clip reveals President Ross (Harrison Ford), succeeding the late William Hurt, tasks Wilson with restarting the Avengers initiative. This might surprise longtime fans, given Ross's role in establishing the Sokovia Accords. Director Julius Onah clarifies Ross's evolution into a statesman who recognizes past mistakes and seeks amends, viewing the Avengers as a global asset.

Ross, a general, understands tactical advantages. The film depicts a Captain America integrated into the US government, making the Avengers a de facto branch of the defense department. Moore explains Ross's strategic motivation: controlling the Avengers' power to prevent unchecked might.

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 is a source of this super-metal, potentially sparking a global arms race. Securing a superhero team becomes a strategic imperative.

Sam Wilson's Captain America Journey in the Comics

11 ImagesThe film explores the complex relationship between Ross and Wilson, highlighting the tension stemming from Ross's past actions, including Wilson's imprisonment due to the Sokovia Accords. Onah emphasizes Wilson's emotional journey and the palpable tension between the two men.

The possibility that John Walker's morally ambiguous team in Thunderbolts might become Ross's Avengers is raised. This could leave Wilson free to assemble his own independent team, potentially in time for Avengers: Doomsday. Brave New World sets the stage for Wilson's evolution into an Avengers leader, showcasing his worthiness through empathy, a defining characteristic.

Moore and Onah underscore Wilson's journey of self-doubt and eventual acceptance of his role as Captain America, emphasizing his empathy as his superpower. With only two films between Brave New World and Avengers: Doomsday, Wilson's recruitment efforts will likely feature in Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. The formation of Avengers 2.0 commences here.