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 reforming 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 emphasizes Captain America's central role in successful Avengers teams, necessitating Sam Wilson's development as a leader, a journey explored in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Now, Wilson confidently embraces his role, but faces the formidable challenge of 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 establishing the Sokovia Accords. Director Julius Onah clarifies Ross's evolution: "The man that we're meeting now is...a diplomat...who sees and understands the errors of his past and wants to do better." Ross's strategic mind recognizes the global advantage of a controlled Avengers team.
This new Avengers team, however, won't mirror its predecessor. Captain America's official government position, directly reporting to the President, establishes the team as a US defense department branch. Moore explains Ross's motivation: "He certainly realized that the Avengers left unchecked may not be the best idea...power is more beneficial to him if it's under his command."
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 significant asset. Moore states, "Any nation that has a group of Avengers has a leg up...Ross is a general, so certainly he understands what a tactical advantage is!"
Sam Wilson's Captain America Journey in the Comics
The potentially strained relationship between Ross and Wilson is highlighted. Wilson's commitment to Steve Rogers' anti-government stance contrasts with Ross's actions. Onah focuses on Wilson's emotional journey: "It was really cool to then put him opposite somebody who had divided the Avengers in the past."
The possibility of John Walker leading Ross's Avengers team in Thunderbolts is raised. This leaves Wilson free to form his own independent team, potentially aligning with Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Brave New World marks Wilson's journey towards Avengers leadership. Onah emphasizes Wilson's worthiness: "Historically the Avengers have been led by a Captain America, and Sam Wilson is very much so a worthy one...why [is he worthy]?" His empathy is highlighted as his superpower. 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 in Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps are anticipated. The assembly of Avengers 2.0 begins.
