Six years after the Avengers disbanded following Thanos' defeat and Tony Stark's death, the world needs its heroes again. With new Avengers films slated for 2026 and 2027, the MCU must quickly reassemble the team, a process beginning in Captain America: Brave New World.

"We know people miss the Avengers," says Nate Moore, a Marvel Studios producer, "but we knew jumping right back after Endgame wouldn't let them miss them." Moore highlights Captain America's central role in successful Avengers teams. After Steve Rogers passed the shield to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame, the MCU focused on developing Wilson into a leader, a journey explored in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. In Brave New World, Wilson embraces his role, but faces a new challenge: leading a new Avengers team.

"He had a legacy defined by anger," says director Julius Onah. "But now he's an elder statesman, a diplomat, understanding past errors. He wants to initiate the Avengers for the world's benefit." Ross, a general, understands tactical advantages.

This new Avengers team differs from its predecessor. Captain America is now an official US government role, with Wilson working directly with the President. A Captain America-led team would essentially be a branch of the US defense department.

"Ross passed the Sokovia Accords," Moore explains. "He realized unchecked Avengers weren't ideal. He understands controlled power benefits him, so he acts before someone else does."

"Any nation with Avengers has an advantage," Moore states. "Ross understands this tactical advantage."

How Sam Wilson/Falcon Became Captain America in the Comics

11 ImagesThis new Avengers team's underlying motive suggests a strained relationship between Ross and Wilson. Rogers was anti-government, and Wilson strives to uphold his predecessor's values.

"I focused on Sam's emotional journey," Onah says. "Putting him opposite someone who previously divided the Avengers created palpable tension. The Sokovia Accords, Ross's actions, all contribute to this tension."

Perhaps John Walker and his team from Thunderbolts will become Ross's Avengers. Ross's nickname, Thunderbolt, hints at this possibility.

If so, Wilson could lead his independent team, ready for Doctor Doom's arrival in Avengers: Doomsday. Brave New World sets Wilson on the path to leading the Avengers. Onah aimed to showcase Wilson's readiness.

"Sam wouldn't lead the Avengers until he truly believed he was Captain America," Moore adds. "Our goal was to show his journey of self-doubt, ultimately leading the audience to agree: he is Captain America, ready to lead."

Wilson must act quickly. Only two films separate Brave New World and Avengers: Doomsday. He'll likely recruit in Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. While shorter than the five films leading to The Avengers, the assembly of Avengers 2.0 begins here.