It has been nearly six years since the Avengers disbanded following the defeat of Thanos and the tragic loss of Tony Stark. However, the world's need for its mightiest heroes has resurfaced, and with new Avengers movies slated for 2026 and 2027, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up to reassemble the team. The journey to recruit the next generation of Avengers kicks off in "Captain America: Brave New World."

"We know people miss the Avengers and we miss the Avengers," says Nate Moore, a veteran producer at Marvel Studios and a key figure behind the fourth Captain America film. "But we knew if we jumped right back into the Avengers after Endgame, we wouldn't give people a chance to miss it."

Moore emphasizes that the most iconic Avengers teams in Marvel comics have always had Captain America at their core. After Steve Rogers passed his shield to Sam Wilson in "Avengers: Endgame," the MCU needed time to develop Wilson into the leader he needed to become. This process was not straightforward, as Wilson initially struggled with the mantle of Captain America. The six-part Disney+ series, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," delved into his challenges during this transition. By the time of "Brave New World," Wilson confidently dons the red, white, and blue. Yet, as he masters the role of Captain America, he faces a new, more formidable challenge: leading a new Avengers team.

A pre-release marketing clip for "Brave New World" reveals that President Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford following the passing of William Hurt, approaches Wilson to revive the Avengers project. This might surprise long-term fans, given that Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross was the architect of the Sokovia Accords, which led to the Avengers' division. So, why would the man who once split the team now seek to bring them back together?

"He was a guy who had this real legacy that could maybe be defined by his anger," explains Julius Onah, the director of "Brave New World." "But the man that we're meeting now is an elder statesman, a diplomat, turning a new leaf, who sees and understands the errors of his past and wants to do better. [He wants to initiate] the Avengers because they could be a benefit to the world."

As a general, Ross understands the tactical advantage of having the Avengers. However, he doesn't intend to recreate the team as it once was. Following "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," Captain America is now an official role within the United States government, and in the opening of "Brave New World," Wilson works directly with the President. This suggests that a Captain America-led Avengers team would essentially be a branch of the US defense department.

"Ross is the man who passed the Sokovia Accords," says Moore. "He certainly realized that the Avengers left unchecked may not be the best idea for anyone. And so I certainly think he understands that power is more beneficial to him if it's under his command, and he figures why not do it first before somebody beats me to the punch."

President Ross's renewed interest in the Avengers likely stems from the discovery of a world-changing substance. The Celestial that turned to stone at the end of "Eternals" has been revealed at San Diego Comic Con 2024 to be a source of Adamantium, Marvel's renowned super metal and a valuable alternative to Wakanda's heavily-guarded Vibranium. With this miracle metal now accessible in the ocean, an Adamantium arms race looms, making it strategic to have superheroes on your side.

"I think certainly any nation that has a group of Avengers has a leg up over anyone else," says Moore. "And Ross is a general, so certainly he understands what a tactical advantage is!"

How Sam Wilson/Falcon Became Captain America in the Comics

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If there is an underlying motive to this new Avengers team, it suggests that the working relationship between President Ross and Sam Wilson's Captain America may not be smooth. This tension is expected, given Steve Rogers' staunch opposition to government control and Wilson's efforts to uphold his predecessor's values.

"I really focused on the emotional journey that Sam was taking," says Onah. "It was really cool to then put him opposite somebody who had divided the Avengers in the past. Because of that history, Sam was put into prison. The Sokovia Accords, all the stuff that Ross pushed forward as Secretary of State [came into play]. These are things that when these two men walk into a room, that tension between them is palpable."

It's possible that Sam Wilson may not be the leader President Ross envisions. The answer might lie in 2025's "Thunderbolts," featuring a team of anti-heroes including John Walker, who briefly took up the Captain America mantle in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" but tarnished Steve Rogers' legacy. Perhaps Walker and his morally ambiguous team will become the President's Avengers, fittingly given Ross's nickname, Thunderbolt.

If this scenario unfolds, Wilson could form his own independent team of superheroes, just in time for Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday" in 2026. Regardless of the specifics, "Brave New World" marks the next step in Wilson's journey, which began when he took up the shield, leading him inevitably to the leadership of the Avengers. Onah was excited to prepare Wilson for this role, knowing it would be the first film to address the assembly of the next Avengers team.

Onah highlights Wilson's empathy as his superpower, which is crucial for wielding the shield and embodying the values it represents. "I think that's what makes him a Captain America of this moment," Onah states.

"I don't think Sam would be prepared to lead the Avengers until he truly believed that he was Captain America," adds Moore. "And our goal as filmmakers was to take him on a journey of questioning whether or not he made the right decision. Hopefully by the end, [we’ll have] him and the audience go 'There certainly could be no one else'. He is Captain America, and hopefully he takes the tools from this movie to be able to lead the Avengers."

Wilson must act swiftly. After "Brave New World," only two films stand between us and "Avengers: Doomsday." It's likely that Captain America will appear in both "Thunderbolts" and "Fantastic Four: First Steps" as he recruits his team ahead of the 2026 event. While this path is shorter than the five films leading to 2012's "The Avengers," characters like Spider-Man, Thor, and Bruce Banner may be ready to answer the call. The assembly of Avengers 2.0 begins here.