It has been almost six years since the Avengers disbanded following the defeat of Thanos and the tragic loss of Tony Stark. However, the world's need for its mightiest heroes has resurfaced, and with new Avengers movies slated for 2026 and 2027, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up to reassemble the team. The journey to recruit the next generation of Avengers starts with "Captain America: Brave New World."
"We know people miss the Avengers and we miss the Avengers," says Nate Moore, a veteran producer at Marvel Studios and a key figure behind the fourth Captain America film. "But we knew if we jumped right back into the Avengers after Endgame, we wouldn't give people a chance to miss it."
Moore emphasizes that the most successful Avengers teams in Marvel comics have always had Captain America at their core. After Steve Rogers passed his shield to Sam Wilson in "Avengers: Endgame," the MCU dedicated time to develop Wilson into the leader he needed to be. This process was not straightforward, as Wilson struggled to embrace his new role as Captain America. This journey was explored in the six-part Disney+ series, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier." By the time "Brave New World" rolls around, Wilson confidently dons the red, white, and blue. Yet, as he overcomes the challenge of becoming Captain America, he faces an even greater task: leading a new Avengers team.
A pre-release marketing clip for "Brave New World" reveals that President Ross, now portrayed by Harrison Ford following the passing of William Hurt, approaches Wilson to revive the Avengers project. Long-time fans might find this surprising, given that Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross was the architect of the Sokovia Accords, which led to the Avengers' division. So, why would Ross, known for fracturing the team, now seek to bring them back together?
"He was a guy who had this real legacy that could maybe be defined by his anger," explains Julius Onah, the director of "Brave New World." "But the man that we're meeting now is an elder statesman, a diplomat, turning a new leaf, who sees and understands the errors of his past and wants to do better. [He wants to initiate] the Avengers because they could be a benefit to the world."
As a general, Ross understands the tactical advantages a superhero team can offer. However, he doesn't intend to recreate the Avengers as they once were. Since "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," Captain America has become an official role within the U.S. government. In "Brave New World," Wilson works directly with the President, indicating that a Captain America-led Avengers team would function as a branch of the U.S. defense department.
"Ross is the man who passed the Sokovia Accords," says Moore. "He certainly realized that the Avengers left unchecked may not be the best idea for anyone. And so I certainly think he understands that power is more beneficial to him if it's under his command, and he figures why not do it first before somebody beats me to the punch."
Ross's interest in reassembling the Avengers isn't just for cinematic continuity. It's tied to the discovery of a world-changing substance: Adamantium, the super metal revealed at San Diego Comic Con 2024 to be sourced from the Celestial turned to stone at the end of "Eternals." With Adamantium now accessible in the ocean, an arms race seems inevitable, making a superhero team a strategic asset.
"I think certainly any nation that has a group of Avengers has a leg up over anyone else," says Moore. "And Ross is a general, so certainly he understands what a tactical advantage is!"
How Sam Wilson/Falcon Became Captain America in the Comics
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Given the underlying motives behind the new Avengers team, the working relationship between President Ross and Sam Wilson's Captain America is poised to be fraught with tension. Steve Rogers was staunchly against government control, and Wilson has strived to uphold his predecessor's values throughout his superhero career.
"I really focused on the emotional journey that Sam was taking," says Onah. "It was really cool to then put him opposite somebody who had divided the Avengers in the past. Because of that history, Sam was put into prison. The Sokovia Accords, all the stuff that Ross pushed forward as Secretary of State [came into play]. These are things that when these two men walk into a room, that tension between them is palpable."
The dynamics could lead to an alternate scenario where John Walker, introduced in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," and his morally ambiguous team become Ross's Avengers. Ross's nickname, Thunderbolt, hints at this possibility. This scenario is set to unfold in "Thunderbolts," the MCU's second project in 2025, following closely after "Brave New World."
If Walker takes the helm of the government-backed Avengers, Wilson might form his own independent team, just in time for the arrival of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday" in 2026. Regardless of the outcome, "Brave New World" marks a crucial step in Wilson's journey toward becoming the leader of the Avengers.
Julius Onah was excited to prepare Wilson for his future role, understanding that historically, the Avengers have been led by a Captain America. "Historically the Avengers have been led by a Captain America, and Sam Wilson is very much so a worthy one," Onah says. "But part of telling this story is also reinforcing, illustrating, and dramatizing for an audience: why [is he worthy]?"
Wilson's worthiness stems from his empathy, which Onah describes as his superpower. Though equipped with a shield and mechanical wings, Wilson's true strength lies in his ability to understand the perspectives of both allies and enemies, enabling him to effectively wield the shield and the values it represents. "I think that's what makes him a Captain America of this moment," Onah says.
"I don't think Sam would be prepared to lead the Avengers until he truly believed that he was Captain America," Moore adds. "And our goal as filmmakers was to take him on a journey of questioning whether or not he made the right decision. Hopefully by the end, [we’ll have] him and the audience go 'There certainly could be no one else'. He is Captain America, and hopefully he takes the tools from this movie to be able to lead the Avengers."
With only two movies standing between "Brave New World" and "Avengers: Doomsday," Wilson has a tight timeline to recruit his team. He is likely to appear in both "Thunderbolts" and "Fantastic Four: First Steps" to gather his Avengers. While this recruitment phase is much shorter than the buildup to 2012's "The Avengers," characters like Spider-Man, Thor, and Bruce Banner might be ready to answer the call. The assembly of Avengers 2.0 begins with "Captain America: Brave New World."
