In the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America has always been a key and, above all, popular character. But times change, and a lot has happened since Steve Rogers' retirement at the end of "Avengers: Endgame". In the new installment of the Captain America franchise called "Brave New World", we see a new hero behind the Vibranium shield with Sam Wilson. After inheriting the famous signature shield from the old Captain America in the Disney+ series "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier", he is now pursuing his own path, which is surely not an easy one. In this KinoCheck Original, you can now learn all the latest information about the plot, cast and production of "Captain America 4", so that you are up to date on the MCU project.

Plot

Let's turn our attention to the potential plot: In "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier", Sam Wilson struggled with the decision of whether he should accept the shield and become the new Captain America. Over the course of the series, Sam chooses to embrace his destiny and fulfill Steve Roger's wish. Sam reached this decision in the final episode of "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier", which came out on Disney+ in April 2021. On the same day, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that a fourth Captain America movie was in the works. Although we don't have many specific details about the storyline of "Brave New World" yet, there are some clues as to how the story will unfold. For example, in an interview with Screen Rant, director Julius Onah talked about how the movie will be a paranoid thriller, which is consistent with the previous "Captain America" movies, especially "The Winter Soldier".

Onah also disclosed that Sam will face the Leader in the film, who will act as the main antagonist. For those who don't remember, Tim Blake Nelson's character Samuel Sterns has only made one previous appearance in the MCU, and that was in 2008's "The Incredible Hulk", where he played a scientist working on an antidote for Bruce Banner's anger problem. However, working with Bruce's blood samples resulted in far-reaching problems: Emil Blonsky became Abomination and Sterns became The Leader. In the comics, he's a mastermind with an oversized head and one of the Hulk's many adversaries. It will be interesting to see how his intelligence comes across as a main weapon against Sam as the new Cap.

There's also Harrison Ford's character of Thaddeus Ross, who has risen through the ranks from general to the new U.S. president. After the events of "Captain America: Civil War", Ross had Sam Wilson imprisoned for violating the Sokovia Accords. So it's no secret, and it was also confirmed by producer Nate Moore, that Wilson and the new U.S. president are going to clash. Cap will probably have to deal with more than just one antagonist and prove that he is worthy of the role of Captain America.

In regards to Captain America himself, director Julius Onah spoke to IGN about what awaits Sam as the new bearer of the shield. According to Onah, Sam will have to face the consequences of his decision to accept the shield and fight not only supervillains, but also the government, the military and the public. Onah's statements match Sam's experiences in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier", in which he was exposed to America's dubious history and the expectations of a black Captain America.

Equally interesting is the recent change in the movie's title. While the original title "New World Order" is often used in connection with conspiracy theories, "Brave New World" suggests a new beginning of sorts and is also the title of the dystopian novel of the same name by Aldous Huxley. In the context of America's past, the term is also often used to describe a time of renewal and change, usually following a significant event or major change. This could refer to Sam's role as the new Captain America and how he continues the legacy of Steve Rogers in a world that has undergone drastic change.

Cast

The well-known cast of "Captain America 4" already gives us an idea of what to expect. Various actors from the existing MCU are playing in the movie. However, a number of familiar names are also missing, as they no longer seem to play a role in the story.

Sam Wilson alias Captain America

First and foremost among the cast is, of course, Chris Evans' successor Anthony Mackie, who reprises the role of Sam Wilson - now known as the new Captain America. At the time of the movie's premiere, more than 10 years will have passed since Falcon joined his friend Steve Rogers to defeat Hydra. In the last episode of "Falcon and the Winter Soldier", we already got a glimpse of his costume. Unlike Steve, he also has his flight suit at his disposal, of course.

Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross & Betty Ross

Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross will no longer be played by the late William Hurt, but by Harrison Ford. The return of the character makes many people prick up their ears, since Ross eventually becomes the legendary "Red Hulk" in the comics. In an interview, Ford was promptly asked about it. The experienced star simply replied in his usual curt manner, "What's a Red Hulk?" Of course, it wouldn't be the first time MCU actors have deliberately pretended to be clueless so as not to give anything away.

Likewise returning is Ross' daughter Betty Ross, who will once again be portrayed by Liv Tyler, as in the 2008 Hulk film. Whether she will play a significant role in this movie, is not yet known, however.

Samuel Sterns alias The Leader & New World Order

The villain Dr. Samuel Sterns aka The Leader is played by Tim Blake Nelson, as was the case in "The Incredible Hulk". At the end of the Hulk movie, he himself came into contact with Banner's blood and his head began to swell. In addition to telepathic abilities, in the comics Leader also has robots that he built himself and that fight on his side. We're eager to find out what he has to do with the crime organization "New World Order" from the comics, which will certainly be playing a big role - after all, "Captain America 4" even included the name in its title until it was renamed.

Sabra

Shira Haas takes on the role of the Israeli superheroine Sabra, whose real name is Ruth Bat-Seraph. The actress has appeared in the miniseries "Unorthodox", for example. The introduction of Sabra into the MCU caught the attention of many comic book readers, because at least in the comics she is not only an agent, but also a mutant. With the cameo appearance of Charles Xavier in "Doctor Strange 2: Multiverse of Madness", the mentions of mutations in "Ms. Marvel" and Hugh Jackman's future appearance as Wolverine in "Deadpool 3", this reinforces the signs for further integrations of the "X-Men" into the MCU.

Additional Roles

Another big name in the cast of "Captain America: Brave New World" is "Alita: Battle Angel" leading actress Rosa Salazar. It is not known which character she will play. However, many speculate that she will take on the role of the villainess Diamondback, a part of the evil organization Serpent Society. There are also rumors that WWE star Seth Rollins will also portray a member of the crime group.

Carl Lumbly, otherwise known as Isaiah Bradley, will also be back in action. The aged super-soldier will probably no longer take an active part in battle, but he will certainly be on hand to offer advice and support to the young Cap.

Danny Ramirez is also back in the cast. Ramirez embodies the CIA agent Joaquin Torres, who drew Sam's attention to the threat posed by the "Flag Smashers" in the series and now joins as Falcon.

What About Bucky Barnes?

Fans of "Falcon and the Winter Soldier" have to be aware that Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes will not be appearing in "Brave New World". At least that's the official situation - of course, there are numerous rumors about a surprise appearance. While Sam will otherwise have to cope with the New World Order on his own, fans can at least look forward to Bucky's role in the Marvel movie "Thunderbolts", which will hit theaters a few months later on December 20, 2024.

Production

Unlike the previous "Captain America" movies, which were directed by the Russo brothers, the new movie will be directed by Julius Onah. He previously made a name for himself with "The Cloverfield Paradox" and, with only three movies to date, has rather little experience in the business. The script is written by Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson, who were both involved in the series "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" and are therefore very well acquainted with the story.

At the moment, filming is in its final stages. After Disney recently pushed back all possible MCU projects, the current theatrical release of "Captain America: Brave New World" is scheduled for July 26, 2024.