"Captain America: Brave New World Launches Avengers 2.0"

It has been nearly six years since the Avengers disbanded after defeating Thanos and mourning the loss of Tony Stark. The world, however, is once again in dire need of its mightiest heroes. With new Avengers films slated for 2026 and 2027, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) must swiftly reassemble its team. The journey to recruit the next generation of Avengers kicks off in the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World.

“We know people miss the Avengers and we miss the Avengers,” states Nate Moore, a seasoned producer at Marvel Studios and a key figure behind the fourth Captain America installment. “But we knew if we jumped right back into the Avengers after Endgame, we wouldn't give people a chance to miss it.”

Moore emphasizes that the most iconic Avengers teams in Marvel comics have always been anchored by Captain America. Following Steve Rogers' passing of the shield to Sam Wilson at the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, the MCU took time to develop Wilson into the leader he needed to become. This process was not easy for Wilson, who initially struggled with his new role. The Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier delved into his challenges during this transition. By the time Brave New World rolls around, Wilson confidently embodies Captain America. Yet, as he masters his new identity, he faces the even greater challenge of leading the new Avengers team.

In a pre-release marketing clip for Brave New World, President Thaddeus Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, who steps into the role previously held by the late William Hurt, tasks Wilson with reviving the Avengers. This request might perplex long-time fans, given Ross's history with the Sokovia Accords, which famously divided the Avengers. Julius Onah, director of Brave New World, sheds light on this shift, explaining, “He was a guy who had this real legacy that could maybe be defined by his anger. But the man that we're meeting now is an elder statesman, who's a diplomat, who's turning a new leaf, who 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.”

As a general, Ross understands the strategic advantage of having superheroes under his command. However, he doesn't intend to recreate the Avengers as they were. With Captain America now an official role within the U.S. government, and Wilson working directly with the President, a Captain America-led Avengers team would effectively be an extension of the U.S. defense department. Moore elaborates, “Ross is the man who passed the Sokovia Accords. He certainly realized that the Avengers left unchecked may not be the best idea for anyone. And so I certainly think he understands that power is more beneficial to him if it's under his command, and he figures why not do it first before somebody beats me to the punch.”

Yet, Ross's renewed interest in the Avengers isn't just about future films; it's likely tied to the discovery of Adamantium, a world-changing metal revealed at San Diego Comic Con 2024. This substance, derived from the Celestial that turned to stone in Eternals, presents a potential arms race. Moore notes, “I think certainly any nation that has a group of Avengers has a leg up over anyone else. And Ross is a general, so certainly he understands what a tactical advantage is!”

How Sam Wilson/Falcon Became Captain America in the Comics

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Given these underlying motives, the working relationship between President Ross and Sam Wilson's Captain America may not be straightforward. Steve Rogers was staunchly against government oversight, and Wilson has spent his career striving to uphold those values. Onah highlights the emotional journey Wilson undertakes, stating, “It was really cool to then put him opposite somebody who had divided the Avengers in the past. Because of that history, Sam was put into prison. The Sokovia Accords, all the stuff that Ross pushed forward as Secretary of State [came into play]. These are things that when these two men walk into a room, that tension between them is palpable.”

There's a possibility that Sam Wilson may not be the ideal candidate for Ross’s Avengers. The 2025 film Thunderbolts might offer an alternative, featuring a group of anti-heroes led by John Walker, who previously disgraced the Captain America mantle. With Ross nicknamed Thunderbolt, it seems fitting that Walker and his team might become the President’s Avengers.

If this scenario unfolds, Wilson could establish his own independent team, perfectly timed for the arrival of Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday in 2026. Regardless of the specifics, Brave New World marks a crucial step in Wilson's journey, which began when he first picked up the shield. Onah expresses enthusiasm for preparing Wilson for his future role, saying, “Historically the Avengers have been led by a Captain America, and Sam Wilson is very much so a worthy one. But part of telling this story is also reinforcing, illustrating, and dramatizing for an audience: why [is he worthy]?”

Wilson’s worthiness stems from his empathy, which Onah describes as his superpower. Despite lacking superhuman abilities, Wilson’s understanding of both allies and adversaries allows him to effectively wield the shield, embodying the values it represents. Onah remarks, “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. And our goal as filmmakers was to take him on a journey of questioning whether or not he made the right decision. Hopefully by the end, [we’ll have] him and the audience go ‘There certainly could be no one else’. He is Captain America, and hopefully he takes the tools from this movie to be able to lead the Avengers.”

Wilson must act quickly. Following Brave New World, only two films separate us from Avengers: Doomsday. It's likely that Captain America will appear in both Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps to assemble his team ahead of the 2026 event. Although a shorter buildup than the five films leading to 2012’s The Avengers, familiar heroes like Spider-Man, Thor, and Bruce Banner might be ready to answer the call. Regardless, the formation of Avengers 2.0 begins here.