The Marvel Cinematic Universe is entering a bold new era, and at the center of it is none other than Anthony Mackie‘s Sam Wilson. With the highly anticipated ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ just around the corner, fans are gearing up to see Sam take on the mantle of Captain America in his first solo film.
However, the film is a beginning for the character. Director Julius Onah and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige have all but confirmed that Sam Wilson will also step up as the leader of the Avengers in the upcoming ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’.
Why Sam Wilson Is The Right Leader For The New Avengers
When Steve Rogers passed his shield to Sam Wilson at the end of ‘Avengers: Endgame’, it was a symbolic and deeply emotional moment. However, stepping into the role of Captain America is one thing, leading the Avengers is another. Steve wasn’t the strongest Avenger, but he was always the moral compass of the team.
Related: “I’m Just Getting Started”: Anthony Mackie Wants To Play Captain America For A Decade
Now, Sam will have to do the same, and according to director Julius Onah, ‘Brave New World’ will cement his place as the new leader. “All I’ll say is, right now my heart and soul is in this film, but I think this is a movie that cements Captain America and Sam Wilson as our new Captain America as a leader of the Avengers going forward,” Onah told Collider.
Unlike past Avengers leaders, Sam doesn’t have superhuman abilities. He’s not a billionaire genius like Tony Stark or the Scarlet Witch. As Mackie himself put it, “The fact that he’s never taken the serum, the fact that he’s every man’s Captain America… I think that’ll have an effect and will pay off greatly in the future of the franchise.”
‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Will Set The Stage For Sam Wilson
Before Sam Wilson leads the Avengers however, he has to prove himself in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. This film isn’t just about solidifying Sam as Captain America, it’s about preparing him for what’s coming next. In the film, Sam will take on his most dangerous opponent yet: the Red Hulk.
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Not only is Red Hulk an incredibly powerful foe, but he also happens to be the President of the United States. Anthony Mackie describes the film as the MCU’s new foundation, much like ‘Captain America: The First Avenger‘ was for Steve Rogers.
“I feel like this movie, Brave New World, just like Captain America: The First Avenger, is that foundation, that building block to build to that next crescendo, a massive moment in the MCU universe,” Mackie said. “And I just, I’m proud that we’re here at the beginning.” Marvel President Kevin Feige also emphasized that the audience has already accepted Sam Wilson as Captain America.
