Anthony Mackie is officially taking center stage as Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World . This movie not only marks Mackie's first solo feature as the iconic superhero but also serves as a starting point for the next iteration of the Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
It has been nearly six years since the original Avengers team disbanded after defeating Thanos. However the world consistently needs protection from powerful threats. With new Avengers movies slated for 2026 and 2027 the MCU is rapidly moving to assemble a new team. Captain America : Brave New World is the first step in this recruitment process.
Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore stated that the best Avengers teams in Marvel Comics history have consistently featured Captain America at their core. Following Steve Rogers's decision to pass his shield to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame the MCU dedicated time to develop Wilson into a leader worthy of the mantle. The Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explored Wilson's initial hesitation and eventual acceptance of this significant responsibility. By the time of Brave New World Wilson embraces his role as Captain America with confidence. Now he faces an even greater challenge leading a new Avengers team.
A pre-release clip for Brave New World reveals that President Ross now played by Harrison Ford requests Wilson to revive the Avengers project. This might surprise some fans given Ross's history. Thaddeus Ross was instrumental in establishing the Sokovia Accords which caused division among the original Avengers. Director Julius Onah explains this apparent contradiction stating that the Ross audiences encounter now is different from before. He is an elder statesman who recognizes his past errors and seeks to rectify them. President Ross understands the potential benefits of a controlled Avengers team for global stability.
Moore elaborates on Ross's motivations. He acknowledges that an unchecked Avengers group might pose risks. Therefore Ross aims to bring this power under his command ensuring that the Avengers operate with governmental oversight. This new Avengers team led by Captain America will essentially function as a branch of the U.S. defense department working directly under President Ross.
The urgency to reassemble the Avengers also stems from a significant discovery within the MCU. Scientists have found that the petrified Celestial from Eternals is a source of Adamantium. This super metal a rival to Wakanda's Vibranium has sparked international interest. An Adamantium arms race is on the horizon and having a team of superheroes becomes a crucial strategic asset for any nation.
Moore notes that any country with an Avengers team would gain a distinct tactical advantage in this new global landscape. This underlying motive suggests that the partnership between President Ross and Captain America may face complexities. Steve Rogers always resisted government control and Sam Wilson has strived to uphold those values. Onah emphasizes the inherent tension between Wilson and Ross due to their history and conflicting ideologies stemming from the Sokovia Accords era.
In an exclusive interview with Deadline Anthony Mackie shared insights about his interactions with Harrison Ford on set. Despite their characters' contentious relationship Mackie and Ford developed a strong bond. Mackie described how they connected over shared interests like home improvement and woodworking. He recounted humorous exchanges where Ford offered expert advice on router bits for a woodworking project. Mackie was impressed by Ford’s down-to-earth nature and willingness to engage with the cast and crew as equals. He learned valuable lessons from Ford about leading a set.
Mackie also mentioned Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU. He expressed his excitement about working alongside Downey Jr. in the upcoming Avengers movies Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Mackie humorously acknowledged his position as the "OG Avenger" now tasked with bringing together a new generation of heroes. He sees it as his character's perk as Captain America to choose his new teammates.
Preparing for the role Mackie focused on the emotional depth of Sam Wilson and Captain America. Director Onah highlighted compassion and empathy as Wilson's defining characteristics. Mackie himself emphasized these qualities stating that he wants his Captain America to represent understanding compassion and empathy. He believes these traits particularly Wilson's background as a counselor are crucial aspects that distinguish his Captain America from Steve Rogers.
Mackie clarified in an interview with Collider that he deliberately avoided delving into comic books for guidance. He chose to concentrate on the scripts and the established backstory of Sam Wilson within the MCU. He recognized that the MCU adaptations often blend elements from various comic book storylines and prioritize creating a cohesive cinematic narrative. Mackie's approach prioritized building upon the character arc already established in the movies and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series.
What Captain America's New Era Means For The MCU
Anthony Mackie taking up the Captain America shield signals a significant shift for the MCU. It marks the beginning of a new leadership era within the Avengers and the broader superhero landscape. Sam Wilson's Captain America brings a different perspective shaped by his experiences and inherent empathy. This contrasts with Steve Rogers's more traditional and soldierly approach potentially leading to new dynamics within the Avengers team and their interactions with the world.
President Ross's involvement indicates a move towards greater government oversight of superheroes. This could create interesting conflicts and ethical dilemmas for Captain America and the new Avengers as they navigate their roles within a system seeking to control them. The Adamantium arms race adds a layer of geopolitical tension and urgency to the MCU narrative. It provides a compelling reason for the Avengers' resurgence and sets the stage for global conflicts and power struggles.
The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars movies promise large-scale events. Captain America's leadership will be crucial in uniting diverse heroes against formidable threats. Mackie's emphasis on compassion and empathy suggests a more emotionally resonant and character-driven approach to superhero storytelling. This could revitalize the MCU by focusing on relatable human elements amidst the grand spectacle.
Our Take On Anthony Mackie's Captain America
Anthony Mackie's ascension to Captain America is a welcome and exciting evolution for the MCU. He brings a unique blend of charisma depth and relatability to the role. Captain America: Brave New World appears poised to be more than just a superhero movie. It seems set to explore complex themes of leadership responsibility and the evolving role of heroes in a world facing new global challenges. Mackie's focus on compassion and empathy offers a refreshing and timely take on Captain America making him a compelling leader for a new generation of Avengers. The anticipation for Captain America: Brave New World and the subsequent Avengers movies is definitely high as the MCU embarks on this fresh and promising chapter with Anthony Mackie at the helm.
Source: ign.com, deadline.com, washingtonpost.com , comicbookmovie.com