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 delay in reuniting the Avengers post-Endgame: "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 need to establish Sam Wilson's leadership after inheriting the mantle. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased Wilson's journey, culminating in his confident embrace of the Captain America identity 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 might surprise fans, considering Ross's role in creating the Sokovia Accords. Director Julius Onah clarifies Ross's evolution: "The man that we're meeting now is an elder statesman, a diplomat…who sees and understands the errors of his past and wants to do better." He recognizes the Avengers' potential global benefit.

Ross's military background informs his strategic thinking. 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 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 isn't solely about future films; it stems from the discovery of a world-altering substance. The petrified Celestial from Eternals is revealed to be a source of Adamantium, sparking a potential global arms race. Securing a superhero team becomes a significant 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 Comic Book Journey to Captain America

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The complex relationship between Ross and Wilson is central to the narrative. Wilson's commitment to Steve Rogers' anti-government stance contrasts with Ross's actions. Onah emphasizes Wilson's emotional journey: "It was really cool to then put him opposite somebody who had divided the Avengers in the past." This history creates palpable tension.

The possibility that John Walker's morally ambiguous team in Thunderbolts might become Ross's Avengers is explored. This leaves Wilson free to form his own independent team, potentially aligning with Doctor Doom's arrival in Avengers: Doomsday.

Brave New World sets the stage for Wilson's Avengers leadership. Onah highlights Wilson's empathy as his superpower: "I think that's what makes him a Captain America of this moment." Moore adds, "I don't think Sam would be prepared to lead the Avengers until he truly believed that he was Captain America."

With only two films before Avengers: Doomsday, Wilson's recruitment efforts will likely span Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. The assembly of Avengers 2.0 begins in Brave New World.