How Sam Wilson’s Captain America Will Lead the Avengers and Save the World

As a devoted cinephile, I’m currently immersed in “Captain America: Brave New World” unfolding on the big screen. While it delves deep into the past, particularly referencing “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and “The Incredible Hulk,” it also offers tantalizing glimpses into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future. The storyline for Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, our new Captain America, in “Brave New World,” is rich and engaging, but the real question is: how central will his role be in the MCU’s upcoming chapters? Will he step into the shoes of Steve Rogers, or will he become an integral team member like the Avengers, or perhaps a smaller group such as the Thunderbolts? The intrigue lies in waiting to see what path Sam Wilson’s Captain America journey takes next.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Captain America: Brave New World

It appears that he’s poised not just to join the upcoming Avengers team but also to head it, much like Rogers before him, it seems he’ll be tasked with gathering a crew of heroes for the benefit of mankind. However, this opportunity is presented to him in a slightly unique fashion.

How Does Brave New World Set Wilson’s Cap Up as the Next Leader of the Avengers?

In contrast, while Rogers emerged from the ice and was quickly recruited by Nick Fury to form a group to tackle an impending alien danger, Wilson’s Captain America encountered a different proposition from the antagonist in “Brave New World”, General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. The film makes it clear that this is a significant shift for Ross, who played a crucial role in disbanding the team during “Captain America: Civil War,” just as Baron Helmut Zemo did.

Ross is working on a deal concerning the Celestial with several countries, including Japan. Following Wilson and his associate Joaquin Torres, who managed to recover the stolen adamantium from the Celestial’s body, Ross comes to realize that having a team of heroes can be essential for tackling bigger dangers. However, Wilson remains hesitant, particularly regarding this president, as the idea involves the Avengers not acting according to their own judgment, but rather following the government’s decisions – much like in the Civil War, where they are tasked with doing what the government deems best instead of what they believe is right.

Due to the actions of the Leader, Ross’ proposal was vetoed, as other nations suspected Ross was behind the theft of the adamantium initially. After an air combat above what is now known as Celestial Island, near the Celestial, Captain America manages to avert disaster, providing hope for the deal’s survival. However, this battle nearly claims Torres’ life, causing Wilson great remorse. But a timely visit from Bucky Barnes helps Wilson overcome his guilt and refocus his thoughts.

In another phrasing: Two indications suggest that Brave New World is positioning Wilson as the one who will soon utter “Avengers, assemble.” Preventing what appears to be an impending World War represents his greatest individual triumph so far, though Torres accompanies him, they are not yet a formal team. This victory adds significantly to his accomplishments. However, Wilson’s response to almost losing a comrade demonstrates a leader who emerges naturally. As Bucky points out during his advice to Wilson, Rogers wisely selected Falcon over the Winter Soldier as the next Captain America.

In the final scene of “Brave New World”, Rogers (Wilson) recognized in Torres what was starting to emerge in Torres’ self-perception. Specifically, Wilson was finding common ground with Torres at the bedside, sharing jokes and agreeing with Ross on a single point: the necessity of the Avengers.

A notable trait displayed by Wilson is his strategic intelligence in subduing Ross/Red Hulk. For instance, he guides the gamma-irradiated being away from the bustling White House lawn, minimizing potential harm to bystanders. Yet, the destination Wilson chooses, Washington’s cherry blossom garden, holds significance for Ross due to memories of his estranged daughter. This tactic not only proves effective but also diverts the path of further violence. Rogers would undoubtedly approve, and it solidifies the idea that Brave New World is hinting at who might be the next leader of the Avengers in the MCU.

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2025-02-16 18:42