Captain America Paves Way for Avengers 2.0 with 'Brave New World'

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 reuniting the Avengers post-Endgame: "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 importance of Captain America's central role in successful Avengers teams, highlighting the time invested in developing Sam Wilson into a capable leader after inheriting the mantle from Steve Rogers. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Wilson's struggles, culminating in his confident embrace of the Captain America identity in Brave New World. 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 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 strategic understanding motivates his decision to reassemble the Avengers as a global asset.

This new Avengers team, however, differs significantly. Captain America is now an official US government position, placing the Avengers under the US Department of Defense. 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 isn't solely about future films; it stems from the discovery of a world-altering substance. The petrified Celestial from Eternals is revealed as a source of Adamantium, sparking a potential global arms race. This necessitates a superhero advantage. Moore states: "I think certainly any nation that has a group of Avengers has a leg up over anyone else."

Sam Wilson's Comic Book Journey to Captain America

The potential conflict between Ross and Wilson is palpable, given their history and Wilson's commitment to Steve Rogers' anti-government ideals. Onah highlights the emotional journey for Wilson, contrasting him with Ross, whose past actions led to Wilson's imprisonment.

The possibility of John Walker leading a government-sanctioned Avengers team in Thunderbolts exists, leaving Wilson to potentially form his own independent team. This sets the stage for Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. Brave New World marks Wilson's journey towards Avengers leadership, showcasing his worthiness. 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, ultimately solidifying his role as Captain America and preparing him to lead the Avengers.

With only two films before Avengers: Doomsday, Wilson's recruitment efforts likely span Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. While the path is shorter than the lead-up to 2012's The Avengers, the assembly of Avengers 2.0 begins here.