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 needs its heroes again. With new Avengers films slated for 2026 and 2027, the MCU is gearing up for a team reassembly, starting with Captain America: Brave New World.

"We know people miss the Avengers," says Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore, a key figure behind the fourth Captain America film. "But we knew if we jumped right back in after Endgame, we wouldn't let people miss them enough."

Moore emphasizes Captain America's central role in successful Avengers teams throughout Marvel comics. After Steve Rogers passed the shield to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame, the MCU focused on developing Wilson into a leader, a journey explored in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. In Brave New World, Wilson proudly carries the mantle, but faces a new challenge: leading a new Avengers team.

A marketing clip reveals President Ross (Harrison Ford, replacing the late William Hurt) asking Wilson to restart the Avengers initiative. This might surprise fans, considering Ross's role in creating the Sokovia Accords, which fractured the team.

Director Julius Onah explains, "He was defined by anger. But now he's an elder statesman, a diplomat, seeing past mistakes. He wants the Avengers because they benefit the world." Ross's military background highlights his understanding of tactical advantages.

This new Avengers team won't be a replica of the old one. Captain America is now an official US government role, placing Wilson directly under the President. The Avengers, therefore, become a branch of the US defense department.

"Ross passed the Sokovia Accords," says Moore. "He realized unchecked Avengers aren't ideal. He understands controlled power benefits him, so he wants to secure it before someone else does."

Ross's interest isn't solely about future films. The discovery of a world-altering substance—the petrified Celestial from Eternals—reveals a source of Adamantium, a powerful alternative to Vibranium. This discovery could spark a global arms race, making a superhero team strategically vital.

"Any nation with Avengers has an advantage," says Moore. "Ross understands that."

How Sam Wilson/Falcon Became Captain America in the Comics

11 ImagesThis new dynamic suggests a challenging relationship between Ross and Wilson. Rogers' anti-government stance contrasts with Wilson's career striving to uphold his predecessor's values.

Onah highlights Wilson's emotional journey, "It was cool to put him opposite someone who previously divided the Avengers. The Sokovia Accords, Ross's actions—the tension is palpable."

Perhaps Walker and his team in Thunderbolts will become Ross's Avengers. Ross's nickname, "Thunderbolt," is suggestive.

If so, Wilson could form his own independent team, aligning with the arrival of Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. Regardless, Brave New World marks Wilson's journey to becoming the Avengers leader. Onah aimed to showcase Wilson's readiness.

Onah points to Wilson's empathy as his superpower. While possessing fighting skills, his understanding of allies and enemies allows him to effectively wield the shield's values. "That's what makes him a Captain America of this moment," Onah says.

Moore adds, "Sam wouldn't lead the Avengers until believing he was Captain America. We wanted to show him questioning his decision. Hopefully, by the end, both he and the audience will agree: there could be no one else."

With only two films between Brave New World and Avengers: Doomsday, Wilson's recruitment efforts will likely span Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. While the path is shorter than the five films leading to The Avengers, the return of familiar faces like Spider-Man, Thor, and Bruce Banner is anticipated. The assembly of Avengers 2.0 begins here.