MCU Essentials: Must-Watch Projects Before Captain America: Brave New World

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The highly anticipated movie titled “Captain America: Brave New World” is just around the corner, leaving fans thrilled at the prospect of witnessing its contribution to the continuously expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although the storyline remains under wraps, what’s been revealed thus far has certainly piqued interest. Apart from showcasing Sam Wilson fully embodying his new role as Captain America, it will also depict Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross transforming into the Red Hulk, much like his comic book character counterpart. The film is expected to bring back significant characters from the MCU, potentially providing resolution to some lingering plot mysteries. Additionally, what makes this movie even more intriguing is that it will introduce adamantium to the MCU – a nearly indestructible metal famously used in Wolverine’s skeleton and claws. Will this serve as a stepping stone for the introduction of the X-Men at a later stage?

Absolutely, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has expanded considerably over time, making it necessary for viewers to grasp additional context to fully follow and enjoy each new movie or series. And just like with the MCU, newcomers to Brave New World might find it challenging to keep up given the numerous films (over 30) and TV shows (around 10). Fortunately, we’ve got a convenient guide that outlines the essential MCU projects you should watch before catching the upcoming Captain America film.

The Incredible Hulk

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Watching “The Incredible Hulk” might seem an unusual choice for catching up on key events preceding “Captain America: Brave New World“, yet this early Marvel Cinematic Universe film surprisingly shares several connections with the forthcoming movie.

In this reinterpretation, let me express it like this: For instance, Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, previously portrayed by the late William Hurt and now played by Harrison Ford, is a significant character in the MCU and seems poised to take on an even more prominent role in Brave New World. The film The Incredible Hulk brings back Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, who held a key relationship with Bruce Banner, and Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns. Both characters have been absent from the MCU since then, but the return of Samuel Sterns is particularly noteworthy because his transformation into The Leader was foreshadowed at the end of The Incredible Hulk, a development that has only now been further explored.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

As a film aficionado, I can’t help but sing praises for “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” It’s a standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that demands your attention. However, what truly sets it apart is its introduction of Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, also known as Falcon. This former pararescueman teams up with the original Captain America, Steve Rogers, on a mission to dismantle HYDRA. Throughout their journey, Sam becomes more than just a sidekick; he becomes an Avenger and eventually takes on the mantle of Captain America himself in subsequent films like “Brave New World.” So, if you’re a fan of the MCU or just love a good action-packed adventure, this film is a must-watch!

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Despite the specific plot points of “Brave New World” being kept confidential, it appears to carry on the themes of espionage, covert groups, and political machinations similar to those prominent in “The Winter Soldier”.

Captain America: Civil War

At this stage in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Sam has graduated to a fully-fledged Avenger and holds a more significant influence globally. In the MCU, political matters are becoming increasingly relevant to the Avengers’ missions. The film “Civil War” introduces Thaddeus Ross, who is now the U.S. Secretary of State, proposing the Sokovia Accords to the Avengers. These accords aim to place the team under the supervision of the United Nations. Additionally, Ross gives them a choice: either agree to these terms or step down from their roles as superheroes.

Since the occurrences depicted in “The Incredible Hulk,” General Ross has maintained a strained connection with beings endowed with superpowers, and this movie serves to intensify that animosity. It’s intriguing to speculate about how this dynamic might unfold in “Brave New World.

Avengers: Endgame

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Following his vanishing act due to Thanos’ devastating snap in “Avengers: Infinity War“, Sam reappears to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Earth’s strongest heroes, engaging in their ultimate battle against the Mad Titan.

However, beyond showcasing Sam’s significance within the Avengers, this movie also signifies a momentous transition: in the finale of Endgame, an older Steve Rogers symbolically passes his shield to Sam, suggesting he will assume the role of Captain America.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

To fully understand the sequence of events before the release of “Captain America: Brave New World,” it’s crucial to watch all these listed films. However, among the preparatory materials, the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” stands out as arguably the most vital prologue for the forthcoming movie.

Initially, Sam Wilson finds Steve Rogers’ decision to pass him the shield challenging, but eventually accepts the mantle of the next Captain America. The series also presents fresh faces like Joaquin Torres (portrayed by Danny Ramirez), who steps into the Falcon role, and Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, a Korean War veteran wrongfully imprisoned and unwillingly gifted superhuman powers, both of whom will appear in Brave New World.

Captain America: Brave New World will be released on February 14th.

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2025-01-26 18:11