Marvel Unveils 'Captain America: Brave New World' as Prelude to 'Avengers: Dynasty'

Six years after the Avengers disbanded following Thanos' defeat and Tony Stark's death, the world once again needs 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.

"We understand the audience's longing for the Avengers," explains Nate Moore, a veteran Marvel Studios producer and key figure behind the fourth Captain America film. "But we felt that immediately returning to the Avengers after Endgame wouldn't allow for the necessary anticipation."

Moore highlights the pivotal role of Captain America in successful Avengers teams throughout Marvel comics history. Following Steve Rogers' passing of the shield to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame, the MCU invested time in developing Wilson's leadership capabilities. This was a gradual process, as Wilson's initial adjustment to the Captain America mantle was challenging, a journey explored in the Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. In Brave New World, Wilson confidently embodies the role. However, he faces a new challenge: leading a new Avengers team.

A promotional 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, which led to a superhero civil war. Why would he want to reunite the Avengers?

"He had a legacy defined by anger," notes Brave New World's director, Julius Onah. "But the Ross we meet is a statesman, a diplomat, who acknowledges past mistakes and seeks redemption. He believes the Avengers can benefit the world."

Ross's military background underscores his understanding of strategic advantages. However, his vision for the Avengers differs from the past. Captain America is now an official US government position, and Wilson works directly with the President. Therefore, an Avengers team under Captain America would essentially be a branch of the US defense department.

"Ross enacted the Sokovia Accords," Moore explains. "He recognized the potential dangers of unchecked Avengers power. He likely sees controlled power as advantageous, aiming to secure it before others do."

"Any nation with Avengers has a significant advantage," Moore states. "Ross, as a general, understands this tactical benefit."

Sam Wilson/Falcon's Captain America Journey in the Comics

11 ImagesThis new Avengers team's underlying motives suggest a strained relationship between President Ross and Captain America. Their partnership is inherently complex, given Steve Rogers' anti-government stance and Wilson's adherence to his predecessor's values.

"I focused on Sam's emotional journey," says Onah. "Contrasting him with Ross, who previously fractured the Avengers, creates palpable tension. Their history, including Sam's imprisonment due to the Sokovia Accords, fuels this tension."

It's possible that President Ross's Avengers team might actually be led by someone else. Perhaps it will be John Walker and his morally ambiguous associates from the Thunderbolts team, arriving in 2025.

If so, Wilson could lead his own independent team, coinciding with Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom's arrival in Avengers: Doomsday (2026). Regardless, Brave New World marks a pivotal step in Wilson's journey to becoming the Avengers' leader. Onah aimed to showcase Wilson's readiness for this role.

Wilson's empathy is highlighted as his superpower. He possesses exceptional fighting skills, but his ability to understand different perspectives allows him to effectively wield the shield's values. "This makes him a Captain America for this era," Onah explains.

"Sam wouldn't be ready to lead the Avengers until he truly believed he was Captain America," Moore adds. "We aimed to show his journey of self-doubt, ultimately leading the audience to agree that he is the only choice. He's Captain America, prepared to lead the Avengers."

Wilson's time is limited. Only two films precede Avengers: Doomsday. He'll likely appear in Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps to recruit his team. While the path is shorter than the five films leading to 2012's The Avengers, the return of characters like Spider-Man, Thor, and Bruce Banner is anticipated. The formation of Avengers 2.0 begins here.