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 decision to delay the Avengers' return, stating, "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 in Avengers: Endgame, 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 a new challenge: 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 given Ross's role in establishing the Sokovia Accords. Director Julius Onah clarifies Ross's evolution: "The man that we're meeting now is an elder statesman, a diplomat…who sees and understands the errors of his past and wants to do better." Ross's decision stems from recognizing the Avengers' potential global benefit.
Ross's strategic understanding as a general is key. The film establishes Captain America as an official US government position, making a Captain America-led Avengers team effectively 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.”
However, Ross's interest likely extends beyond the need for future films. The discovery of Adamantium, a super-metal from a petrified Celestial (from Eternals), has sparked a potential global arms race. Securing this powerful resource necessitates a superhero advantage. Moore notes, "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 complex relationship between Ross and Wilson is central to the narrative. Wilson's commitment to Steve Rogers' anti-government stance creates inherent tension. Onah highlights the "palpable tension" between the two, given Ross's role in the Sokovia Accords and Wilson's imprisonment.
The possibility exists that Ross might favor a different team, perhaps the morally ambiguous anti-heroes of Thunderbolts, including John Walker. This leaves Wilson free to assemble his own independent team, potentially in time for Avengers: Doomsday and the arrival of Doctor Doom.
Regardless, Brave New World marks a pivotal step in Wilson's journey to becoming the Avengers leader. Onah emphasizes Wilson's empathy as his superpower, highlighting his ability to understand diverse perspectives. Moore adds that the film aims to solidify Wilson's worthiness as Captain America in the eyes of both the audience and the character himself.
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. While the path to assembling Avengers 2.0 is shorter than the lead-up to the original team, the anticipation remains high.
