The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for its next major crossover event, and Anthony Mackie, the actor leading the charge as Captain America, has shed some light on how his character’s journey will shape the future of the franchise. While promoting Captain America: Brave New World, Mackie hinted at the film’s significance in setting the stage for Avengers: Doomsday—a movie poised to redefine the MCU’s next chapter.
Sam Wilson’s Evolution as Captain America
Anthony Mackie’s take on Sam Wilson has been one of the most unique character arcs in Marvel’s sprawling franchise. Unlike Steve Rogers, Wilson hasn’t received the Super Soldier Serum, making him a fundamentally different kind of Captain America. That contrast, Mackie says, will play a crucial role in what’s coming next.
“Well, this movie establishes Sam as his own being, his own entity or incarnation of Captain America,” Mackie shared in an interview with Comic Book Movie’s Josh Wilding.
It’s a distinction Marvel seems keen to emphasize. With the MCU leaning heavily into multiversal threats and cosmic battles, Wilson stands out as the grounded, everyday hero in a landscape increasingly dominated by god-like figures.
The ‘Next Crescendo’ Moment in the MCU
According to Mackie, Captain America: Brave New World isn’t just another entry in the franchise—it’s a key building block for what’s ahead.
“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, massive moment in the MCU,” he explained.
That’s an interesting comparison. The First Avenger was the launching pad for Steve Rogers’ eventual role as the leader of the Avengers, and if Mackie’s analogy holds, Brave New World could be doing the same for Sam Wilson.
- The film will solidify Wilson as an independent Captain America.
- It will emphasize his perspective as a “regular guy” in a world of superhumans.
- It’s meant to be a stepping stone to something much bigger in Avengers: Doomsday.
How Will Sam Wilson Lead in Avengers: Doomsday?
One of the biggest questions heading into Avengers: Doomsday is how Wilson will manage to lead the Avengers in a battle that’s likely to be bigger than anything the MCU has thrown at audiences before. With Doctor Doom rumored to be the primary antagonist, a Captain America without superpowers might seem outmatched.
“And 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,” Mackie noted. “Because he can give the perspective of the regular guy, as opposed to the super guy.”
That perspective could be critical in grounding the team, especially with a threat as massive as Doom looming over them. Wilson’s leadership will likely be tested in ways no other Captain America has faced before, making his journey all the more compelling.
The MCU’s Future Hinges on Brave New World
If Mackie’s comments are any indication, Captain America: Brave New World isn’t just a standalone story—it’s a setup for something far more significant. While Marvel Studios remains tight-lipped about the specifics of Avengers: Doomsday, it’s clear that Wilson’s role in the MCU is only growing in importance.
Fans will have to wait until 2026 to see how it all plays out, but one thing is certain: Sam Wilson’s leadership is about to be tested like never before. And for the first time, the Avengers will be led by a man without superpowers—just conviction, strategy, and a whole lot of courage.
