New Avengers Assemble: Sam Wilson’s Journey in Captain America: Brave New World

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for a monumental shift as it prepares to reassemble the Avengers in the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World, set to release on February 14, 2025. Following the emotional conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, in which Iron Man sacrificed himself and Captain America passed his shield to Sam Wilson, the MCU is poised for a new generation of heroes.

Producer Nate Moore highlighted the nostalgia fans have for the Avengers, stating, “We know people miss the Avengers and we miss the Avengers. But we knew if we jumped right back into the Avengers after Endgame, we wouldn’t give people a chance to miss it.” This sentiment underscores the strategic storytelling approach taken by Marvel, which carefully sets the stage before launching into a new era of superhero dynamics.

At the heart of this evolution is Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, who has faced significant adversity in stepping into the role of Captain America. The six-part Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, explored Wilson’s internal struggle and journey towards assuming leadership.

In Brave New World, Wilson is tasked with assembling a new Avengers team. In a pivotal scene, President Thaddeus Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, urges Wilson to restart the Avengers project, creating an unexpected alliance. “He 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,” explained director Julius Onah, emphasizing Ross’s transformation from a figure that previously divided the Avengers.

Moore noted that Ross’s motivations for reigniting the Avengers stem from a newly discovered world-changing substance — adamantium, alongside the Celestial that was previously left behind after the events of Eternals. These developments set the stage for an arms race and highlight the tactical advantages superheroes can provide to world leadership. “I think certainly any nation that has a group of Avengers has a leg up over anyone else,” Moore added.

Traditionally, Captain America has been portrayed as a hero advocating for independence from governmental control. However, Wilson’s relationship with Ross, a figure of government authority, promises to create tension. Onah expressed enthusiasm over this dynamic, stating, “I focused on the emotional journey that Sam was taking. Because of [Ross’s] history, the tension between them is palpable.”

With Ross potentially seeking a different type of team, Wilson may find himself in a unique position to lead an autonomous group of heroes. This parallel narrative is expected to unfold further in the 2025 film Thunderbolts, which will feature a team of anti-heroes, including John Walker, a character who clashed with the morality of Steve Rogers during his brief stint as Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

As Wilson navigates these challenges, Onah believes that the film reinforces Wilson’s worthiness to wear the Captain America mantle, reflecting on his empathy as a core strength. “That’s what makes him a Captain America of this moment,” Onah said.

Moore added that the filmmakers’ goal was to take Wilson on a substantial journey of growth, hoping audiences will ultimately see him as irreplaceable in the role of Captain America. “Hopefully by the end, we’ll have him and the audience go ‘There certainly could be no one else.’”

With only two films set to premiere before the next Avengers installment, the assembly of Avengers 2.0 is quickening. Onah’s commitment to establishing this new narrative, effective January 14, 2025, provides further assurance of the direction Marvel is taking as it progresses into Phase Five of its cinematic universe. The upcoming films, including Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps, promise to elevate Wilson’s profile as he prepares to recruit new allies ahead of Avengers: Doomsday in 2026.