Summary
Captain America: Brave New Worldis a highly anticipated installment in MCU’s Phase 5, featuring Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson in his first lead role as the newCaptain America. This film will see Sam confronting a formidable villain while grappling with the responsibilities of his new mantle in a world vastly changed since Steve Rogers' time. Amidst the excitement, Anthony Mackie unveils significant plot details for the film.
WithDeadpool & Wolverinenow in theaters, the spotlight shifts to Marvel Studios' next release,Captain America: Brave New World. As such, the Anthony Mackie-led film received significant attention during Marvel Studios’ Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend. Attendees were given a sneak peek at footage from the big-screen continuation of Disney+‘sThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which included several exciting revelations. Among the standout moments was the first look atHarrison Ford transforming into Red Hulkand the unveiling of Giancarlo Esposito’s role as Sidewinder, the leader of the Serpent Society. Additionally, Mackie himself made a notable reveal regarding the film’s plot.
InCaptain America: Brave New World, Anthony Mackie reveals that Sam Wilson will not take the Super Soldier Serum, emphasizing that Sam is a “cerebral, thoughtful character.” This choice underscores Sam’s decision to remain a humble, human, non-powered individual,distinguishing him from previous Captain America, Steve Rogers. As shown inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam lacks the super-soldier enhancements that made Rogers such a formidable force. Despite his military background, Avenger status, vibranium shield, and wing-pack, the challenges are even greater for this new Captain America without the serum. Wilson’s decision to avoid the serum is crucial to his character development, highlighting his underdog status and making him a Captain America worth rooting for. InThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam’s struggle to step into the role without the added power of the serum reflects a broader theme of earning one’s place without privilege. In contrast, John “US Agent” Walker’s use of the serum and sense of entitlement to the mantle illustrates the opposite approach. The action in the upcoming film promises to be thrilling, as Sam is a hero who can be hurt and pushed to his limits.
As Captain America: Brave New World gears up to showcase Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the MCU’s latest Star-Spangled Avenger, it’s clear that his journey will differ significantly from that of Steve Rogers. Unlike his predecessor, Sam lacks superpowers, a stark contrast evident inJohn Walker’s Faux Capstruggles before taking the Super Soldier Serum. As the MCU now features some of the strongest characters from the Marvel comics, there’s concern that Sam might find it challenging to keep pace with his mightier allies or nemeses. Facing off against threats like The Leader and the Serpent Society, Sam might find himself in dire straits, especially withHarrison Ford’s President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross transforming into Red Hulk.
Tim Blake Nelson’s character, The Leader, is particularly menacing, a telepathic genius with limitless intelligence fueled by gamma radiation fromThe Incredible Hulk.This makes him a more formidable adversary than any Super Soldier, posing a severe challenge for Sam, who must confront him without the enhanced abilities of Steve Rogers. This precarious situation against a foe capable of telekinesis and telepathy, along with his genius inventions, sets the stage for an intense narrative inCaptain America: Brave New World, where Sam emerges as the quintessential underdog.
Still, it’s undeniable thatSteve Rogersrecognized Sam Wilson as the ideal successor for the Captain America mantle. Although Steve never explicitly states it, it’s evident that Sam’s bravery and humility swayed him to choose Sam over Bucky Barnes. Despite not having the Super Soldier serum, Sam fought alongside superhumans, risking his life for the greater good and even sacrificing his freedom to uphold his and his friends’ ideals after the Avengers disbanded. Steve knew Sam needed no enhancements beyond the shield to be Captain America. Moreover, Captain America has never been the most powerful Avenger in terms of physical strength or superpowers. His inherent goodness makes him the perfect leader, making him a person worth following.
Captain America: Brave New Worldis scheduled for release on Jun 13, 2025.
