With the release ofBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, Phase 4 of theMarvel Cinematic Universehas come to a close. Starting in 2023, Phase 5 will officially begin, ramping up the stakes of our fan-favorite characters heading towards a multiversal war in Phase 6. One of the most anticipated films in this upcoming phase isCaptain America: New World Order.
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Taking place after the events of the Disney+ seriesThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the film will see Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson continue to don the stars and stripes as Steve Rogers' successor. However, this film will likely have a lot of consequence on the future of the MCU, with these main aspects already making fans excited to see it in 2024.
8Sam Carries The Shield
Most ofThe Falcon and the Winter Soldiercentered onSam Wilson’s reluctance to carry the iconic vibranium shield. As a black man in America, he has a complicated history with his country and feels uneasy about being its mascot. However, by the end, he realizes he has a responsibility to be a role model to others like him, and takes on the mantle.
InCaptain America: New World Order, Sam will hopefully be settled into the idea of being the world’s new Captain America. However, like with Steve Rogers, that title will come with pressure to prove himself, especially since he’s not a super soldier. Fans can anticipate some epic fight scenes where Sam shows off his new shield-tossing skills.
7A New Sidekick Takes Flight
As teased inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the film will also feature Danny Ramirez reprising his role as the U.S. Air Force lieutenant Joaquín Torres. After Sam leaves Torres with his old pair of wings,New World Orderwill see the character become the new Falcon. Together, the two will become a superhero-sidekick duo taking on worldwide threats.
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However, Torres' role as Sam’s new sidekick will likely mean that Sebastian Stan will not appear as Bucky Barnes. Previously, the Winter Soldier and Sam had been reluctant allies, until they come to understand each other in the Disney+ series. However, Sam will be forging a new partnership with the ally who helped him tackle the Flag Smashers.
6Isaiah Bradley’s Influence On Sam
A big draw ofThe Falcon and the Winter Soldierfor fans was the dynamic between Sam and Isaiah Bradley,who is revealed to be a Super Soldier. In the 1950s, the Korean War vet was experimented on by the U.S. government to take on the Winter Soldier, only to find himself locked up in prison due to the government’s fear he was too powerful.
Despite his skepticism, he comes to respect Sam’s decision to carry the shield, especially as Sam gives Isaiah credit for being the first black Captain America. Since Carl Lumbly is expected to reprise his role inNew World Order, his influence on Sam will be important, as will his grandson Elijah, who plays an important role in the Young Avengers in the comics.
5A Hulked-Out Villain
It was confirmed at the D23 Expo in 2022 that, after a brief role in 2008’sThe Incredible Hulk, Tim Blake Nelson will be returning to the MCU. His character, Samuel Sterns, was teased to become the supervillain The Leader in the film. After Bruce Banner’s blood leaked on an open wound, the character began to suffer mutation, but was never seen again.
The Leader, it was confirmed, will be the primary antagonist ofNew World Order, posing a serious threat to Sam Wilson. Given his relationship to the Hulk, it’s also possible that Tatiana Maslany will reprise her role as She-Hulk in the series. The character has already had experience with people trying to recreate Banner’s powers via a serum.
4Thunderbolt Ross’s New Face
It has also been confirmed that, after the passing of William Hurt, Harrison Ford would be taking over the role of Thaddeus Ross. The role had previously been originated by Hurt inThe Incredible Hulk, appearing as recently as 2021’sBlack Widow. However, Ford’s interpretation of Ross will likely involve him becoming a whole new character.
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That is to say, it’s rumored that Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross will transform into the Red Hulk during the events ofNew World Order. The character is already confirmed to appear again in the subsequentThunderboltsmovie, meaning he could also be a part of Marvel’s Suicide Squad. Nevertheless, Han Solo himself is going to play a huge role in the MCU’s Phase 5.
3An Agent From Jerusalem
Fans can also anticipate to be introduced to some new characters inCaptain America: New World Order. Shira Haas, the Israeli actress fromUnorthodoxandAsia, will be debuting as Sabra, an Israeli mutant, in the film. The character’s origins lie in the Israeli military, andhas played an important role with teams like the X-Menand Excalibur.
However, Sabra’s appearance in the film has also garnered controversy. The character has long been criticized by fans in the comics due to commenting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. Nevertheless, Marvel will likely take a brand-new approach to the character, making her a worthy ally (or foe?) of Sam Wilson’s Captain America.
2More Heroes Of The U.S. Military
Of course, since theCaptain Americafilms have often dealt with world powers, the U.S. military, and war, there are plenty of other familiar faces who could appear in the new film. One of those is Marc Spector, the U.S. Marine who masquerades in Europe as the hero Moon Knight, played by Oscar Isaac in the Disney+ series of the same name.
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Another familiar face could be Florence Pugh’s Yelena, who is set to reappear inThunderbolts. Don Cheadle could also make another appearance as James Rhodes after having a cameo inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier.New World Ordercould also be a good time to re-introduce Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher.
1Director De Fontaine’s Secret Plans
Recently, Julia Louis-Dreyfus has made cameos across Phase 4 as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Though her motivations recruiting John Walker inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldierwere mysterious, fans later discovered that she was hiring Yelena to kill Clint Barton during the post-credits scene ofBlack Widow, which she later opted out of inHawkeye.
Recently, the character played an important role inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, where it was revealed she is both the ex-wife of Martin Freeman’s Everett Ross, and the new director of the C.I.A.Her presence in the MCU spells trouble, especially given that it’s confirmed she will be appearing in the highly-anticipatedThunderboltsmovie.
