Marvel’s upcoming film, ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ premieres on February 13 and continues the story from ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,’ featuring Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. Harrison Ford joins the cast as Thaddeus Ross, succeeding the late William Hurt, and will also portray Red Hulk. New characters include villains played by Giancarlo Esposito and returning figures from ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ enhancing the MCU’s expanding narrative.
In recent years, the Marvel franchise has seen a plethora of releases, making it easy for casual viewers to feel overwhelmed. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) now expanding to home streaming platforms, fans are eager to dive into the latest installment, ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ set to premiere on February 13. This new film also witnesses a significant cast shift following a behind-the-scenes tragedy.
Continuing the Saga from ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’
‘Captain America: Brave New World’ serves as a direct continuation of the acclaimed Disney+ series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,’ which debuted in 2021. The series followed Falcon (Anthony Mackie, 46) and Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan, 42) as they confronted a group of anarchists empowered by the infamous super-soldier serum. This very serum was originally responsible for transforming Steve Rogers (Chris Evans, 43) into the legendary Captain America.
In ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ Steve Rogers retired his iconic Vibranium shield for good, leaving fans to wonder who would step into his shoes within the MCU. The finale of ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ made it clear: Sam Wilson, Rogers’ loyal friend and sidekick, is the chosen one to carry on the Captain America mantle.
In ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ Wilson is joined by his new sidekick, Joaquin Torres, played by Danny Ramirez (32). Torres takes on the role of the new Falcon, complete with a cutting-edge flight suit.
Fans can also catch a glimpse of another familiar face from ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ in the trailer for the upcoming film: Isaiah Bradley, portrayed by Carl Lumbly (73), who is also a super soldier from the Korean War era.
Harrison Ford Takes the Reins as Thaddeus Ross
The MCU has experienced a significant loss with the passing of beloved actor and Oscar winner William Hurt (1950-2022), who succumbed to cancer at the age of 71. Hurt portrayed Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross in six Marvel films, starting with his introduction as a general in ‘The Incredible Hulk’ (2008). Over the years, his character evolved from a general to Secretary of State, and now he holds the position of US President in ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’
In a remarkable turn of events, legendary actor Harrison Ford (82) has stepped in to take on the role of Thaddeus Ross, paying tribute to Hurt’s legacy in the MCU. This film marks Ford’s debut in the Marvel universe, where he will also transform into the formidable Red Hulk, a character known for his immense power. Interestingly, the veteran actor has even participated in motion capture to bring this new superhero to life.
New Faces Join the Marvel Universe in ‘Captain America 4’
Returning to the MCU from the less popular ‘The Incredible Hulk’ (2008) are Tim Blake Nelson (60) as Dr. Samuel Sterns, who adopts the villainous identity of The Leader, and Liv Tyler (47) reprising her role as Betty Ross, the daughter of Thaddeus Ross.
Additionally, ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ introduces a host of fresh talent. Among the newcomers is Giancarlo Esposito (66), known for his roles in ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul,’ who takes on the role of the villain Sidewinder. Another exciting addition is Shira Haas (29), recognized for her performances in ‘Unorthodox’ and ‘Bodies,’ portraying Ruth Bat-Seraph, a US government employee from Israel and a former Black Widow, akin to Yelena Belova and Natasha Romanoff.