It has been nearly six years since the Avengers disbanded after defeating Thanos and the tragic loss of Tony Stark. However, the world's need for its mightiest heroes has resurfaced, prompting the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to set the stage for new Avengers films in 2026 and 2027. The journey to reassemble this iconic team starts with Captain America: Brave New World.

"We know people miss the Avengers, and we miss the Avengers," says Nate Moore, a seasoned producer at Marvel Studios and a key figure in the development of the fourth Captain America film. "But we knew if we jumped right back into the Avengers after Endgame, we wouldn't give people a chance to miss it."

Moore emphasizes the pivotal role Captain America has played in the best Avengers teams throughout Marvel comics history. After Steve Rogers passed the shield to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been focused on building Wilson into the leader he needs to be. Wilson's transition was not easy, as explored in the six-part Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. By the time Brave New World rolls around, Wilson confidently embraces the Captain America mantle. Yet, his new challenge is even more daunting: leading a new Avengers team.

In a pre-release marketing clip, Brave New World reveals that President Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford following the late William Hurt, asks Wilson to revive the Avengers project. This may seem surprising given Ross's history with the Sokovia Accords, which divided the team. However, as Brave New World's director Julius Onah explains, Ross has evolved into an elder statesman and diplomat, seeking to atone for past mistakes and recognizing the global benefits of a superhero team.

As a general, Ross understands the tactical advantage a Captain America-led Avengers team would provide, especially since Wilson now works directly with the President, making the team a branch of the US defense department. "Ross is the man who passed the Sokovia Accords," Moore states. "He certainly realized that the Avengers left unchecked may not be the best idea for anyone. And so I certainly think he understands that power is more beneficial to him if it's under his command, and he figures why not do it first before somebody beats me to the punch."

Ross's renewed interest in the Avengers could be linked to the discovery of Adamantium, a super metal found in the remains of the Celestial from Eternals. With this valuable resource sparking a potential arms race, having superheroes on your side becomes crucial. "I think certainly any nation that has a group of Avengers has a leg up over anyone else," says Moore. "And Ross is a general, so certainly he understands what a tactical advantage is!"

How Sam Wilson/Falcon Became Captain America in the Comics

11 ImagesThe underlying tension between President Ross and Sam Wilson suggests a rocky partnership. Steve Rogers was staunchly against government control, and Wilson strives to uphold those values. "I really focused on the emotional journey that Sam was taking," says Onah. "It was really cool to then put him opposite somebody who had divided the Avengers in the past. Because of that history, Sam was put into prison. The Sokovia Accords, all the stuff that Ross pushed forward as Secretary of State [came into play]. These are things that when these two men walk into a room, that tension between them is palpable."

The possibility arises that Ross may not see Wilson as the ideal leader for his envisioned government-controlled Avengers team. Instead, the answer might lie in 2025's Thunderbolts, featuring anti-heroes like John Walker, who briefly took up the Captain America mantle but tarnished its legacy. Perhaps Walker and his team could become Ross's Avengers, fitting given Ross's "Thunderbolt" nickname.

If this scenario unfolds, Wilson could form his own independent team, perfectly timed for the arrival of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom in 2026's Avengers: Doomsday. Regardless of the specifics, Brave New World marks a significant step in Wilson's journey to becoming the Avengers' leader. "Historically the Avengers have been led by a Captain America, and Sam Wilson is very much so a worthy one," Onah asserts. "But part of telling this story is also reinforcing, illustrating, and dramatizing for an audience: why [is he worthy]?"

Wilson's worthiness stems from his empathy, which Onah describes as his superpower. Despite being just a man with a shield and mechanical wings, Wilson's ability to understand the perspectives of allies and enemies alike allows him to effectively wield the values represented by the Vibranium shield. "I think that's what makes him a Captain America of this moment," Onah says.

"I don't think Sam would be prepared to lead the Avengers until he truly believed that he was Captain America," Moore adds. "And our goal as filmmakers was to take him on a journey of questioning whether or not he made the right decision. Hopefully by the end, [we’ll have] him and the audience go 'There certainly could be no one else'. He is Captain America, and hopefully he takes the tools from this movie to be able to lead the Avengers."

With only two movies separating Brave New World from Avengers: Doomsday, Wilson must act swiftly. He is likely to appear in both Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps as he recruits his team. This timeline is much shorter than the five films leading to 2012's The Avengers, but characters like Spider-Man, Thor, and Bruce Banner may be ready to answer the call. The reassembly of Avengers 2.0 begins here.