Full spoilers follow for Captain America: Brave New World.
Captain America: Brave New World has spread its wings in theaters worldwide. The first Marvel movie of 2025 isn’t all it’s cracked up to be – my Captain America: Brave New World review explains why – but it lays the groundwork for what’s to come as the Marvel Multiverse Saga barrels towards its inevitable conclusion.
- Sam Wilson’s Battle with Red Hulk
- The Future of The Avengers
- Bucky Barnes’ Cameo and Thunderbolts Setup
- The Absence of Bruce Banner/The Hulk
- Mid-Credits and Post-Credits Scenes
- Who are ‘The Others’?
- Setting Up Future Movies
Sam Wilson’s Battle with Red Hulk
In the climactic showdown of Brave New World, Sam Wilson manages to confront the formidable Red Hulk, the gamma-powered alter-ego of US President Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross. Despite having a Wakanda-made, nanotech-infused super-suit, Wilson is quickly overpowered by Red Hulk’s strength. Wilson’s victory comes not from brute force, but rather through his ability to communicate. Drawing on his past as an army counselor, he appeals to Ross’ emotions, specifically mentioning his estranged daughter Betty, which successfully calms the raging beast and reverts him back to his human form.
The Future of The Avengers
While Red Hulk initially requests Wilson’s help in rebuilding the Avengers, circumstances in the movie prevent this from happening immediately. Instead, the film concludes with Wilson discussing plans to reform Earth’s Mightiest Heroes with Joaquin Torres, who is still recovering from injuries sustained during a previous conflict. Whether or not Wilson will have assembled a new team by the time the next Avengers movie arrives remains uncertain.
Bucky Barnes’ Cameo and Thunderbolts Setup
This film features a highly anticipated cameo from Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier. His appearance serves not only to support Wilson but also to set the stage for the upcoming Thunderbolts* film. After a brief interaction with Wilson, where they discuss the state of affairs following the battle, Barnes leaves to attend a charity fundraiser hosted by Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. This connection hints at larger narrative threads as the MCU continues to evolve.
The Absence of Bruce Banner/The Hulk
Fans may have expected Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, to make an appearance given his historical association with the character. However, Banner is notably absent from Brave New World. The last we saw him was in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, where it was revealed he has a son named Skaar. This absence allows Sam Wilson to take center stage without being overshadowed by a more powerful ally. While Banner’s presence would have been beneficial in battling Red Hulk, the narrative choice prioritizes Wilson’s development as a hero.
Mid-Credits and Post-Credits Scenes
No mid-credits scene exists in Brave New World, which diverges from the traditions set by earlier Marvel films. However, the film does include a post-credits sequence that piques viewers’ interest. In it, Wilson confronts Samuel Sterns, the villain of the story, now imprisoned. Sterns ominously warns Wilson about impending events, hinting at significant threats ahead. This foreshadowing keeps audiences engaged and creates anticipation for future installments.
Who are ‘The Others’?
The term ‘The Others’ mentioned by Samuel Sterns likely refers to various entities or characters from alternate universes within the Marvel Multiverse. As the narrative progresses towards an Endgame-sized event that will close the current saga, these alternate realities could play a pivotal role, potentially leading to dramatic incursions and confrontations. Wilson’s lack of preparation for Red Hulk suggests that he will need to strengthen his abilities and alliances to handle the greater threats posed by ‘The Others.’
Setting Up Future Movies
Despite the exciting developments in Brave New World, the film does not appear to set the stage for either The Fantastic Four: First Steps or Avengers: Doomsday. The Fantastic Four is confirmed to exist within an alternate universe, making any connections to the MCU’s storyline unlikely. Similarly, while Doomsday promises to be packed with multi-dimensional narratives, no direct tie-ins are established in this film. Instead, Sterns’ forewarning stands as a reminder that significant challenges lie ahead in the MCU’s journey as it transitions into a new phase.
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