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: "We knew if we jumped right back into the Avengers after Endgame, we wouldn't give people a chance to miss it." He highlights Captain America's central role in successful Avengers teams, emphasizing the time needed to establish Sam Wilson as a capable leader following Steve Rogers' passing. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier depicted Wilson's journey, and Brave New World showcases his confident embodiment of the Captain America mantle. 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, considering Ross's role in creating the Sokovia Accords, which fractured the original team. Director Julius Onah clarifies Ross's evolution: "The man that we're meeting now is an elder statesman…who sees and understands the errors of his past and wants to do better." Ross recognizes the Avengers' potential global benefit.
This new Avengers team differs significantly. Captain America is now an official US government position, placing the team under the 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 likely stems from a world-altering discovery: the Celestial from Eternals is a source of Adamantium. This discovery triggers a potential Adamantium arms race, making a superhero team a strategic advantage. Moore states, "I think certainly any nation that has a group of Avengers has a leg up over anyone else."
Sam Wilson's Path to Captain America in the Comics
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The relationship between Ross and Wilson is likely strained. Wilson's commitment to Steve Rogers' anti-government stance contrasts with Ross's actions. Onah emphasizes Wilson's emotional journey and the palpable tension between the two men due to past conflicts.
The possibility exists that John Walker and his team in Thunderbolts might become Ross's Avengers. Wilson could then lead an independent team, potentially aligning with Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. Regardless, Brave New World marks Wilson's progression towards leading the Avengers. Onah highlights Wilson's empathy as his superpower, making him a Captain America for this era. Moore adds that Wilson's journey involves questioning his decision, ultimately proving his worthiness.
With only two films before Avengers: Doomsday, Wilson's recruitment efforts will likely feature in 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.
