Summary
Marvel Studios’Captain America: Brave New Worldis set to tackle a lot when it hits theaters in February. The movie, which will see Anthony Mackietake on the mantleof Captain America, is already set to bring back characters from Phase 1 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, it’s also set to focus on a new type of metal within the universe, one that has ties to the X-Men.
This brings up an interesting question, of course, thatCaptain America: Brave New Worldwill need to answer in the film. During the film’s Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con in July, it was revealed that the film would introduce adamantium into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This begs the question, has there always been a Logan within the MCU, one that simply hasn’t been introduced beforehand?
The Significance of Adamantium in Captain America
Adamantium is a virtually indestructible steel alloy that is best known as the metal that is bonded to Wolverine’s skeleton and claws. In the comics, it’s also the substance used to craft Captain America’s shield, and has even led to the creation of Wolverine’s enemy, Omega Red, through an attempted recreation of the metal. InCaptain America: Brave New World, theintroduction of Adamantiumis said to be tied to a lingering presence fromThe Eternals. During anexclusive bit of footageshowcased during San Diego Comic-Con, Harrison Ford’s Thaddeus Ross talks about the Celestial Tiamut, who has since transformed into Adamantium. This, of course, has led to other nations trying to mine for the indestructible metal, something he wants to stop before it becomes a bigger problem. Not only does this tie into a question many fans have had sinceEternalshit theaters, but it also proves others are after the material. While Hugh Jackman is currently the main Wolverine within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, thanks toDeadpool & Wolverine, the addition of Adamantium to the Marvel Cinematic Universe allows for the introduction of another Logan.
That’s, of course, assuming there isn’t already another Logan in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Or even a potential Weapon X program. While Marvel Studios president Kevin Fiege has previously teased that the studio has no intention of bringing in a new Wolverine anytime soon, that doesn’t mean the Weapon X program or the introduction of a proper Wolverine can’t be teased withinCaptain America: Brave New World, especially as the X-Men are expected to finally join the Marvel Cinematic Universe within a matter of years.
Could There Have Been a Logan in the MCU?
Does the inclusion of Adamantium mean that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been hiding another Logan? While it is entirely possible, it seems unlikely. The introduction of Vibranium into the Marvel Cinematic Universe happened long before Black Panther finally made his debut on-screen. In fact, Vibranium was first introduced inCaptain America: The First Avenger, thanks to Howard Stark. The material was ultimately used within the film to make Captain America’s iconic shield. The addition of Adamantium inCaptain America: Brave New Worldcould simply serve as a teaser of what’s to come, with the material possibly being used to craft a new shield for Mackie’s Sam Wilson, or possibly even his wings on his brand-new suit. After all, Marvel Studios doesn’t necessarily always follow the comics to a tee. WithDeadpool & Wolverinehaving brought Jackman’s Wolverine into the Marvel Cinematic Universe proper, it’s hard to imagine the studio has any intention ofcasting a new actor in the rolefor a bit. At least, not until afterAvengers: Secret Wars, asthe X-Men rebootseems like it’ll come after the next two Avengers installments.
So, if there hasn’t been a Logan despite the introduction of Adamantium, why choose to introduce the metal in the fourthCaptain Americamovie? It seems likely that the decision was made to revisit the Celestials fromThe Eternals, while also helping to set up more connections to the X-Men in the future. It’s a smart move, even if a bit surprising, because it helps to deepen the lore of the material, much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe did with Vibranium. Making Adamantium important going forward allows for plenty of possibilities, especially if Marvel Studios opts to draw inspiration from the comics. As Adamantium is used by not only a Wolverine foe, but also a Daredevil foe, with Bullseye - a character who is set to return forDaredevil: Born Again.
Captain America: Brave New Worldis set to hit theaters on February 14th, 2025.
