Captain America: Brave New World Is the Start of Avengers 2.0

It has been nearly six years since the Avengers disbanded after defeating Thanos and mourning the loss of Tony Stark. However, the world's need for its mightiest heroes persists, and with new Avengers movies slated for 2026 and 2027, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is poised to reassemble the team swiftly. The first step in this recruitment process is set to unfold in the upcoming film, "Captain America: Brave New World."

"We know people miss the Avengers, and we miss the Avengers," says Nate Moore, a seasoned 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 iconic Avengers teams in Marvel comics have always had Captain America at their core. Following Steve Rogers' decision to pass the shield to Sam Wilson in "Avengers: Endgame," the MCU has been focused on developing Wilson into the leader the team needs. This journey has not been easy for Wilson, as depicted in the six-part Disney+ series, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," which explored his challenges in transitioning to Captain America. By the time "Brave New World" begins, Wilson has embraced his role with confidence. Yet, as he overcomes this personal challenge, he faces an even greater one: leading a new Avengers team.

In a pre-release marketing clip for "Brave New World," President Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, who succeeded the late William Hurt, requests Wilson to relaunch the Avengers initiative. This request might surprise long-time fans, given that Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross was the architect of the Sokovia Accords, which led to the Avengers' fragmentation. So why would Ross, known for his divisive actions, seek to reunite the team?

"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 is well-versed in tactical advantages. However, he doesn't intend to recreate the Avengers as they were. Since "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," Captain America has become an official role within the U.S. government, and in "Brave New World," Wilson works directly with the President. This means 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," Moore notes. "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."

President Ross's interest in reassembling the Avengers is likely driven by the discovery of a world-altering substance. Following the events of "Eternals," where a Celestial turned to stone, MCU scientists revealed at San Diego Comic Con 2024 that this stone is a source of Adamantium, a super metal and a valuable alternative to Wakanda's Vibranium. With nations poised for an Adamantium arms race, having a superhero team becomes a strategic necessity.

"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 potential motives behind the new Avengers team, the collaboration between President Ross and Sam Wilson's Captain America may face significant friction. Steve Rogers was staunchly against government oversight, and Wilson has strived to uphold his predecessor's ideals throughout his 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."

There's a possibility that Sam Wilson might not be the leader Ross envisions. If so, who might lead this government-operated Avengers team? The answer could lie in the 2025 MCU project, "Thunderbolts," which follows closely after "Brave New World." "Thunderbolts" features a team of anti-heroes, including John Walker, who briefly assumed the Captain America mantle in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" but tarnished Steve Rogers' legacy. It's conceivable that Walker and his ethically ambiguous allies could become the President's Avengers, fittingly given Ross's nickname, Thunderbolt.

If this scenario unfolds, Wilson could form his own independent superhero team, just in time for Robert Downey Jr.'s anticipated return as Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday" in 2026. Regardless of the specifics, "Brave New World" marks a significant milestone in Wilson's journey since he first took up the shield, leading him inexorably toward leading the Avengers. Aware that this film would initiate the assembly of the next Avengers team, Onah was eager to prepare Wilson for the challenges ahead.

"Historically the Avengers have been led by a Captain America, and Sam Wilson is very much so a worthy one," Onah asserts. "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. As an MCU fan knows, Wilson is just a man with a shield and mechanical wings, adept at combat. However, his 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 embodies.

"I think that's what makes him a Captain America of this moment," Onah remarks.

"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 "Brave New World" setting the stage, Wilson must act quickly. Only two movies separate us from "Avengers: Doomsday," suggesting that Captain America will appear in "Thunderbolts" and "Fantastic Four: First Steps" to assemble his team. While this timeline is shorter than the five films leading to 2012's "The Avengers," characters like Spider-Man, Thor, and Bruce Banner may be ready to join the call. The assembly of Avengers 2.0 begins here.