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 needs its mightiest heroes. With new Avengers films slated for 2026 and 2027, the MCU must quickly 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 in the fourth Captain America film. "But rushing back into an Avengers storyline post-Endgame wouldn't allow for the necessary anticipation."

Moore highlights Captain America's central role in successful Avengers teams throughout Marvel comics history. Following Steve Rogers' passing of the shield to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame, the MCU focused on developing Wilson into a capable leader. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased his struggles with this transition. In Brave New World, Wilson confidently embraces his role as Captain America, but faces a new challenge: leading a new Avengers team.

A marketing clip reveals President Ross (Harrison Ford, replacing the late William Hurt) tasks Wilson with restarting the Avengers initiative. This might surprise long-time fans, given Ross's role in establishing the Sokovia Accords, which fractured the Avengers.

"He had a legacy defined by anger," notes Brave New World director Julius Onah. "But the Ross we meet is a statesman, a diplomat, acknowledging past mistakes and seeking improvement. He proposes the Avengers as a global asset."

Ross's military background underscores his understanding of strategic advantages. However, this new Avengers team will differ significantly. Captain America is now an official US government position, with Wilson reporting directly to the President. This positions a Captain America-led Avengers team as a branch of the US defense department.

"Ross, the architect of the Sokovia Accords, likely recognizes the unchecked power of the Avengers," says Moore. "He understands that controlled power is advantageous, preferring to lead the initiative rather than react to others."

"Any nation with Avengers holds a considerable advantage," Moore states. "Ross, being 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 Ross and Wilson. Rogers' anti-government stance and Wilson's adherence to his predecessor's values complicate their partnership.

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

John Walker, a morally ambiguous former Captain America, and his team might become Ross's Avengers. Ross's nickname, Thunderbolt, hints at this possibility.

Wilson could then form an independent team, coinciding with Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom's arrival in 2026's Avengers: Doomsday. Regardless, Brave New World marks Wilson's journey towards leading the Avengers. Onah aimed to showcase Wilson's readiness.

Wilson's empathy is his superpower, according to Onah. His ability to understand diverse perspectives allows him to effectively wield the shield's values. "This makes him a Captain America for this era," Onah explains.

"Sam's readiness to lead the Avengers depends on his belief in his role as Captain America," Moore adds. "We aimed to show his self-doubt and ultimately demonstrate his worthiness to the audience."

With only two films between Brave New World and Avengers: Doomsday, Wilson will likely recruit his team in Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. While the path is shorter than the five films leading to 2012's The Avengers, the assembly of Avengers 2.0 begins here.