Sam Wilson’s arc in Captain America: Brave New World is undoing what was established in Captain America: Civil War. Two years after Anthony Mackie’s last outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe via Disney+’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, he is back in the franchise, and this time, on the big screen. Directed by Julius Onah, with the script written by Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and Matthew Orton, Captain America: Brave New World is expected to solidify Sam’s stint as the MCU’s new Star-Spangled Avenger. Before the film, the title belonged to Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers.

Wrapping up the Infinity Saga also involved sending off some of the franchise’s inaugural series. Unlike Iron Man and Black Widow dying in Avengers: Endgame, Steve got a better, albeit more complicated fate, as he retired from his public life and passed the shield to Sam. Before that, however, Mackie’s character was Captain Rogers’ most loyal ally, as seen multiple times in the MCU. However, it was during the crisis in Captain America: Civil War that cemented their relationship. Unfortunately, the events of Captain America: Brave New World are undoing what was established in the Russos’ 2017 film.

Thaddeus Ross Wants Captain America To Be An Official Government Role Now

Ross Seeks Sam’s Cooperation For His New Plan

Marvel Studios has officially released the first trailer for Captain America: Brave New World, offering fans an idea of what to expect from the 2025 blockbuster. Unlike the majority of the MCU’s recent offerings, it’s more grounded and realistic, making it more reminiscent of the fan-favorite and critical darling, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. There are so many interesting moments in the promotional clip, but arguably the most revealing scene from it is the initial conversation between Sam and the recast Harrison Ford’s Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, as it sets up the premise of the movie.

The Captain America: Brave New World trailer opens with Sam reuniting with Ross. After a sly meta-comment about the recasting, they discuss trying to make Captain America an official government operative once again, similar to John Walker assuming the role of Captain America/US Agent in The Falcon & the Winter Soldier. Before that, however, the government attempted to strip Steve of the title in light of the introduction of the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War. The government wanted to oversee Captain America and the rest of the Avengers, creating a rift between him and Iron Man.

Captain America’s Rocky Past With The US Government Explained

The US Government Attempted To Control Steve Rogers’ Captain America In The Past

The US government has been a factor in several MCU stories in the last 16 years. In Iron Man 2, it attempted to seize Tony Stark’s Iron Man technology, which, ultimately, failed. It was also involved in Captain Marvel and Black Panther‘s stories. That said, Captain America has the most complicated history with the US government out of everyone in the MCU. Created as part of their propaganda during World War II, he expanded his role from being just a mascot to being a proper player in the conflict. Things were just about to get more complex after that.

When Steve woke up in modern times, he became disillusioned after getting betrayed by Hydra infiltrating SHIELD in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This set up his unexpected stance against government oversight in Captain America: Civil War. Team Cap, including Sam, was arrested by Ross and was put in the raft until Steve and Bucky Barnes broke out the rest of the team. There were bigger things at play in Avengers: Infinity War, so the issue was never really fully touched upon again. But with Steve gone, Captain America: Civil War is changing the nature of Ross and Sam’s relationship.

Will Captain America Actually Work With The U.S. Government In Brave New World?

Sam & Ross’ Relationship Will Be At The Center Of Captain America: Civil War

Marvel Studios saves the rest of the conversation for Captain America: Brave New World. However, the trailer strongly suggests that Ross’ proposition isn’t going to easily pan out. Sam may be polite, but he’s no pushover, and that’s one of the things that makes him the perfect wielder of the iconic shield. After Isaiah Bradley’s assassination attempt on Ross, Sam may be compelled to provide security detail for the President of the United States, but that doesn’t mean that he can be coerced to function as an operative.