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, stating that allowing audiences time to miss the team was essential. He highlights Captain America's central role in successful Avengers teams throughout Marvel comics history. Sam Wilson's journey to becoming Captain America, initially fraught with challenges as depicted in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, culminates in his confident embrace of the mantle in Brave New World. However, a new, even greater 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 long-time fans, considering Ross's role in establishing the Sokovia Accords. Director Julius Onah clarifies that the Ross we meet is a changed man, a statesman seeking to rectify past mistakes. He sees the Avengers as a global asset.
Ross's military background underscores his understanding of tactical advantages. The film establishes Captain America as an official US government position, making a Captain America-led Avengers team a branch of the US defense department. Moore explains Ross's motivation: he recognizes the potential threat of unchecked Avengers power and aims to control it for strategic gain.
Sam Wilson's Comic Book Journey to Captain America
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The film explores the complex dynamic between Ross and Wilson, highlighting the inherent tension given Ross's past actions. Onah emphasizes Wilson's emotional journey and the palpable tension between the two men.
The possibility that John Walker and his team in Thunderbolts might become Ross's Avengers is raised. This leaves Wilson potentially free to form his own independent team, aligning with the arrival of Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. Brave New World sets the stage for Wilson's evolution into the Avengers leader, showcasing his worthiness through empathy, a key characteristic emphasized by Onah. Moore highlights Wilson's journey of self-doubt and ultimate acceptance of his role.
With only two films before Avengers: Doomsday, Wilson's recruitment efforts likely span Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. While the path to assembling Avengers 2.0 is shorter than the one leading to the original team, the anticipation remains high.
