Starting a whole new era for the star-spangled superhero, Captain America: Brave New World – after numerous delays and reshoots – finally comes out on February 14. Contrary to Thor: Love and Thunder, where both Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth’s versions of Thor had equal starring weight, this film will put Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson in the sole spotlight, having barely any ties to Chris Evans’ trilogy. But, of course, this is the MCU, and though there might be no Bucky or Peggy Carter, connections to several previous works will come into play. Here’s what you need to remember from the MCU to get the full picture of the penultimate entry of Phase 5.
Where Did We Last See Captain America Before ‘Brave New World’?
Image via Marvel Studios
Sam will start this new adventure fully donning the Captain America suit, but the journey there has been rocky. Even after Steve himself gives him the shield at the end of Avengers: Endgame, Sam still didn’t feel worthy, and donated it instead to the Smithsonian. In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the shield is given to John Walker (Wyatt Russell) by the government. After a shortened and catastrophic run, Walker is demoted and Sam accepts his fate as the new Captain America – with a stunning suit to go with.
Many elements from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will be the backbone of this film. Returning from the six-episode series is Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres, who has apparently fixed Sam’s damaged wingsuit, and will now don the mantle of the Falcon. Also reprising his role is Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, a former black super soldier who faced erasure from history – and received due recognition at the end of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Last but not least, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky isn’t returning, but his absence might be addressed, given he’s set to appear along Russell’s Walker in Thunderbolts*.
What Other MCU Characters Are In ‘Captain America: Brave New World’?
Ramifications playing into this film go way back to 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, when the MCU was but an incipient idea. Three of this movie’s characters are set to reprise their roles – with two of them having been absent for a whole 17 years. Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns will finally follow up on the tease of him becoming the Leader – one of Hulk’s greatest villains.Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross – the Hulk’s former love interest – is also set to return, likely tied to her father being President of the United States.
Captain America: Brave New World will see Thunderbolt Ross – originally played by the late William Hurt and now portrayed by Harrison Ford – making his triumphant return as the new President. Ross has been present in other MCU films, mostly as an antagonist trying to enforce the law on the MCU heroes. In Captain America: Civil War, he is the main supporter of the Sokovia Accords, and is in charge of chasing Team Cap after their escape. He comes close to capturing Natasha (Scarlett Johansson) in Black Widow, but his directives are ignored after Thanos’ invasion takes the spotlight in Avengers: Infinity War. How Ross got to controlling the world’s most powerful country – and how he turns into the Red Hulk – remains to be seen.
An Extremely Relevant MCU Plot Point Will Be Addressed in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’
Image via Marvel Studios
Captain America: Brave New World will also include what perhaps most die-hard MCU fans have been waiting for – consistency and connection to other projects in the Multiverse Saga. The film will finally acknowledge the fact that a gigantic Celestial corpse is sticking out of the Indian Ocean, courtesy of Chloé Zhao’s Eternals. The trailers have shown some sort of battle occurring at the location, so it’s very likely some political scheming is at play for the control of the gigantic corpse-island and/or its resources.
Even after multiple setbacks, Captain America: Brave New Worldwill finally see the light of day. Being the first MCU sequel with a totally-renewed cast, it should be interesting how this works audience-wise. For now, the highlight of the film is it having a vibe similar to Captain America: The Winter Soldier, as well as reviving old plot points to double down on the fact that, in the MCU, everything is connected.
Image via Disney
Image via Marvel Studios
Image via Marvel Studios
English (US) ·