Captain America: Brave New World's creative team reveals new details regarding the Marvel Cinematic Universe film's narrative. Fans should expect considerable tension between Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson and Harrison Ford's President Thaddeus Ross, plus tie-ins to the last Captain America sequel, Civil War.

Speaking with Empire Magazine, Brave New World director Julius Onah and producer Nate Moore shed light on the MCU blockbuster's storyline. Brave New World sees Wilson carrying on the legacy of the original Captain America, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), while working under the command of the U.S. government, led by "Thunderbolt" Ross. Onah explained that while Wilson will face familiar foes such as Samuel Sterns/The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson) and The Serpent Society in Brave New World, he faces a conflict with President Ross, who seeks increased control over superhuman affairs. “Part of the challenge for Sam as Captain America, working within the government, is the way he's going to make decisions." (...) "The point of view he's going to have will at times put him at odds with the President," Onah said.

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Moore, the VP of Production & Development at Marvel, explained The Leader's motivations in Brave New World, saying Sterns wants something he believes is owed to him, putting Wilson in an uncomfortable position given his government involvement. "The Samuel Sterns you met in The Incredible Hulk is a bit different now." (...) "Sam finds himself almost standing between Samuel Sterns and what he thinks the government owes him, and how he wants to go about getting that," Moore said.

Tension Between Sam Wilson and the President

Wilson faces a similar conflict Rogers dealt with before his retirement, with the original Captain America opposing government orders to honor his heroic duties and refusing to sign Ross' Sokovia Accords, becoming a fugitive. Rogers' decision was eventually validated when the universe relied on the Avengers to act on their own accord as they successfully took down Thanos. However, Brave New World is expected to continue the political conflict from Civil War, with President Ross insistent on dictating what superheroes and vigilantes can/can't legally do. Additionally, Sterns' return could see the emergence of the Red Hulk.

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Mackie and Ford were the focal points of recently premiered Brave New World footage shown during CinemaCon, the first footage released of the upcoming Phase Five film. Mackie hailed Ford for his work and enthusiasm on set, calling the experience "surreal" in previous interviews. Brave New World marks Ford's MCU debut, taking over the role of President Ross from the late William Hurt.

Brave New World also features Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres/Falcon), Carl Lumbly (Isaiah Bradley) and Liv Tyler (Betty Ross), with WWE wrestler Colby Lopez aka Seth Rollins and Xosha Roquemore cast in undisclosed roles. Though filming for Brave New World wrapped last June, the upcoming tentpole will conduct reshoots beginning this month and ending in August.

Brave New World opens in theaters on Feb. 14, 2025.

Source: Empire Magazine