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 highlights Captain America's central role in successful Avengers teams, emphasizing the time needed to develop Sam Wilson into a capable leader following Steve Rogers' passing of the shield. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Wilson's struggles, but Brave New World finds him embracing his role. However, a new challenge awaits: 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 an elder statesman, a diplomat… who sees and understands the errors of his past and wants to do better." He recognizes the Avengers' potential global benefit.
Ross's military background informs his strategic thinking. The film establishes Captain America as an official US government position, making an 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."
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 advantage. 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 film explores the complex relationship between Ross and Wilson, highlighting their conflicting histories. Onah emphasizes Wilson's emotional journey, contrasting him with Ross, who previously imprisoned Wilson due to the Sokovia Accords. This inherent tension between the two characters is palpable.
The possibility exists that Ross might favor a different team, potentially the anti-heroes of Thunderbolts, including John Walker. This could leave Wilson free to form his own independent team, aligning with the arrival of Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Regardless, Brave New World positions Wilson on the path to leading the Avengers. Onah emphasizes Wilson's empathy as his superpower, highlighting his ability to understand diverse perspectives. Moore adds that Wilson's journey involves questioning his decision to become Captain America, ultimately proving his worthiness.
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 timeline is shorter than the lead-up to The Avengers, the stage is set for the formation of Avengers 2.0.
