Captain America: Brave New Worldevolves Sam Wilson’s character significantly, building on some key events in theMCU.Captain America: Brave New Worldis set to redefine the legacy of the iconic hero, with Sam stepping up as the new Captain America. This film promises to bring back key figures from the MCU, such as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and Samuel Sterns, while also expanding on the themes established inthe MCU timeline. To fully appreciate the impact ofBrave New World, there are several crucial films and shows to revisit.
Sam Wilson’s journey to becoming Captain America has been shaped by numerous key MCU events. However,Brave New Worldisn’t just about Sam – it also reintroduces characters like Betty Ross and Samuel Sterns fromThe Incredible Hulk, addresses one of the biggest lingering MCU plotlines, and explores the lasting impact of pastCaptain Americafilms. As such, revisiting previous films and shows will provide important context for the next chapter in the Captain America legacy.
10The Incredible Hulk (2008)
The MCU’s Original Super Soldier Serum & Essential Character Introductions
While often overlooked,The Incredible Hulkis crucial toCaptain America: Brave New Worlddue to its ties to several returning characters. Thaddeus Ross (originally played by William Hurt, now Harrison Ford)made his debut here as an obsessed military leaderhunting Bruce Banner.The Incredible Hulkalso introduced Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), who will finally return after a long absence, and Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), who was teased as The Leader after exposure to Banner’s gamma-irradiated blood, which will finally be addressed 17 years later.
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Additionally,The Incredible Hulkplayed a key role in establishing the MCU’s Super Soldier Serum. Bruce Banner was experimenting with recreating the Serum when he became Hulk, and Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) was injected with a similar serum, transforming him into the Abomination. It’s unclear how Ross becomesthe MCU’s Red HulkinBrave New Worldor if Sam Wilson will take the Serum like his predecessor, but presumably,the Super Soldier Serum will be pertinent.
9Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Sam Wilson’s Debut
Sam Wilson made his MCU debut inCaptain America: The Winter Soldieras an Air Force veteran running a support group for former soldiers. His quick friendship with Steve Rogers established his loyalty and sense of duty,leading to his recruitment into the fight against HYDRA. Throughout the narrative, Sam exhibited some of the key characteristics that define his character, including his bravery and morality.
Captain America: The Winter Soldieralso explored the darker side of government agencies, a theme likely to resurface inBrave New World, especially with Thaddeus Ross now serving as President. The film set the stage for Sam’s eventual partnership with Bucky Barnes, whichbecame central to his tenure in the MCU. With a tense political atmosphere and themes of trust, control, and heroism,The Winter Soldierremains one of the most important MCU films leading intoCaptain America: Brave New World.
8Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Sam Wilson Becomes An Avenger
WhileAvengers: Age of Ultronfocused on the growing rift between the Avengers, it also solidified Sam Wilson as a key player. Though he wasn’t on the Sokovia mission, he was invited to the party in Stark Tower and had officially become an Avenger by the film’s end. Hisgrowing importance within the team hintsat his eventual leadership role, making this film an essential stepping stone in his MCU journey.
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Additionally, theAvengers: Age of Ultronintroduced key elements such as the ongoing debate over governmental oversight of superheroes. This movie also established the growing complexity of the Avengers' dynamic,setting up future conflicts that would directly impact Sam’s development.Age of Ultronalso reinforced the idea that leadership comes with immense responsibility, an idea that Sam will grapple with as he steps into his role as Captain America inBrave New World.
7Ant-Man (2015)
Sam Wilson Recruits Avengers
While not a major focus,Ant-Man(2015) includes a significant Sam Wilson moment. When Scott Lang breaks into the Avengers facility, he faces off against Sam, who is already in a security position within the team. This humorous but telling momenthighlights Sam’s growing responsibilities, further setting up his role in later films. Later, in theAnt-Manpost-credits scene, Steve Rogers and Sam have captured Bucky Barnes, and Sam says that he knows somebody who can help.
Sam Wilson’s ability to recognize and recruit new talent, such as Scott Lang,foreshadows his eventual leadership as Captain America. It also hints at his potential later leadership of the Avengers in the MCU’sAvengers: Doomsday.As Sam steps into his new role, the interactions he has had with various heroes, including Scott Lang, will shape his approach to leadership and teamwork in the upcoming film.
6Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Sam Wilson Aligns Himself With Captain America
Arguably, one of Sam Wilson’s most important appearances was inCaptain America: Civil War, in which he firmly aligned with Steve Rogers’ fraction against the Sokovia Accords. This reflects not only his allegiance to Steve Rogers, but alsohis concurrence to the Captain America myth, indicating his future role. His friendship with Bucky Barnes and his combat abilities were all on display throughoutCivil War.
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Additionally,Captain America: Civil Warlaid the groundwork for Sam’s eventual struggle to balance his personal beliefs with governmental oversight, a major theme inBrave New World. WithCivil Warfeaturing multiple ideological conflicts,revisiting it will provide insight into how Sam may approach his role as Captain America. The film also introduced key figures such as Baron Zemo, who continued to have an impact on Sam’s narrative in the MCU.
5Black Widow (2021)
Captain America: Brave New World Introduces A New Black Widow
Black Widowmight not seem like an obvious pick, but it has a direct tie toCaptain America: Brave New World.Brave New Worldintroduces the character Sabra, who in the comics is a mutant and a member of the Israeli Secret Service, Mossad.Brave New Worldhas rewritten this backstory toomit her mutancy and sidestep perpetuating any harmful stereotypesin the wake of the Isreal-Hamas war.
As such, Sabra has been transformed into an Israeli former Black Widow working for the US government. Understanding the background of the Red Room and its operations will beimportant in understanding how Sabra fits into the MCUand her potential role inBrave New World. The themes of espionage and governmental manipulation are also pertinent toCaptain America: Brave New World’spolitical themes, makingBlack Widowan insightful prologue.
4Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Sam Wilson Fights To Save The Universe
Sam Wilson played a key role inAvengers: Infinity War, assisting Steve Rogers and the Wakandan forces in the battle against Thanos’ army. His combat skillsquickly became essential as he foughtalongside heroes like Black Panther and Bucky Barnes to defend Wakanda. However, his story was cut short when he was one of the many heroes snapped out of existence by Thanos.
His sudden disappearance meant that he was absent for much of the fallout inEndgame, leaving a gap in his journey until his return. The emotional impact of the Blip and his time lost willlikely inform his leadership inBrave New World. Understanding where Sam left off inInfinity Waris crucial to appreciating his eventual comeback, as it marked the moment where his development was temporarily halted by a universal catastrophe.
3Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Sam Takes On The Mantle
Sam Wilson’s return inAvengers: Endgamewas a triumphant moment, with his reference to his introduction inThe Winter Soldierwith the simple line,“On your left,”becomingone of the most triumphant moments in the franchise.Though his role in the climactic battle was brief, it was significant, as he joined the fight against Thanos alongside his fellow Avengers. However, his most pivotal moment came at the end of the movie.
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Steve Rogers, after returning the Infinity Stones, chooses to remain in the past, leaving an elderly Steve to return and pass his shield to Sam. The weight of that moment cannot be understated, asSteve’s choice cemented Sam as his successor. Though Sam initially hesitated, understanding the burden of carrying the Captain America mantle, he accepted the shield, knowing it was an important responsibility.
2The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
Sam Wilson Becomes Captain America
This Disney+ series is perhaps the most important viewing beforeBrave New World, as it fully explores Sam Wilson’s evolution into Captain America. The show follows Sam’s reluctance to take up the mantle, his conflict with the government over their decision to appoint John Walker as Captain America, and hisdeepening bond with Bucky Barnes. Over six episodes, Sam ultimately embraces his role, crafting his own version of the Captain America identity that represents his values and struggles.
The series also tackled themes of inequality, government corruption, and the consequences of unchecked power – all of which are expected to play a role inBrave New World. It introduced key characters like Isaiah Bradley, whose tragic past tied into the Super Soldier Serum experiments. Watching this series isessential to understanding where Sam stands at the beginning ofBrave New Worldand the responsibilities he carries.
1Eternals (2021)
The MCU’s Biggest Unresolved Event
At first glance,Eternalsmay not seem directly connected toBrave New World, but it introduced one of the biggest unresolved plot points in the MCU: the fate of the Celestial Tiamut. Frozen in the ocean, Tiamut’s emergence was a world-altering event thatthe MCU has yet to address.Brave New Worldis expected to finally acknowledge this major development, meaning thatEternalswill serve as essential background.
The trailer forCaptain America: Brave New Worlddepicts Sam flying past Tiamut, confirming his appearance at the very least. This has triggered numerous theories that could bring the Eternals themselves into the narrative. The presence of Celestials in the wider MCUcould also impact how world governments react to superpowered individualslike Sam Wilson. With the film’s revelations about Earth’s place in the grander cosmic order,Eternalswill likely inform howCaptain America: Brave New Worldexpands upon global threats.
