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

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 that allowing audiences time to miss the team was essential. He highlights Captain America's central role in successful Avengers iterations, emphasizing Sam Wilson's journey to becoming a worthy successor. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Wilson's struggles, culminating in his confident embrace of the Captain America mantle in Brave New World. However, a 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 is surprising, considering Ross's role in creating the Sokovia Accords, which fractured the original team. Director Julius Onah clarifies Ross's evolution into a statesman seeking amends for past mistakes, recognizing the Avengers' potential global benefit. Ross's military background underscores his understanding of strategic advantages.

This new Avengers team will differ significantly. Captain America's position is now officially sanctioned by the US government, placing the team under the Department of Defense's purview. Moore explains Ross's motivation: controlling the Avengers' immense power for his own strategic advantage.

Ross's interest, however, likely stems from a more immediate threat: the discovery of Adamantium, a potent metal rivaling Wakanda's Vibranium, within a petrified Celestial from Eternals. This discovery threatens to ignite a global arms race, making a superhero team a crucial asset. Moore emphasizes the strategic advantage a nation possessing the Avengers would hold.

Sam Wilson's Comic Book Journey to Captain America

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The partnership between Ross and Wilson is unlikely to be harmonious, given Ross's past actions and Wilson's commitment to Steve Rogers' anti-government ideals. Onah highlights the palpable tension between the two, stemming from Ross's role in Wilson's imprisonment due to the Sokovia Accords.

The possibility exists that Ross may 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 marks a pivotal step in Wilson's journey, showcasing his evolution into a worthy Avengers leader. Onah emphasizes Wilson's empathy as his defining strength, contrasting with his physical abilities. Moore adds that Wilson's journey involves self-doubt, ultimately culminating in his acceptance as Captain America and readiness to lead.

With only two films remaining before Avengers: Doomsday, Wilson's recruitment efforts will likely be featured in Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. While the path to assembling Avengers 2.0 is shorter than the lead-up to the first Avengers, the anticipation remains high.