- Fourth instalment hits theaters on 14 February, 2025
- Nine years since last Captain America film
- Essential film and series viewing list revealed
Captain America: Brave New World starring Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford is almost upon us. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the film expands upon the ever-growing Marvel Cinematic Universe and how Sam Wilson continues to make the shield his own.
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In addition to seeing Sam Wilson fully embrace his role as the newest Captain America, we know from the trailer that the new film will feature Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross becoming the Red Hulk. It will also see the return of several key MCU characters.
The fourth instalment hits theaters on 14 February, 2025, coming nine years since the last Captain America film (2016’s Captain America: Civil War). Despite the nearly decade-long gap between releases, there’s been several projects in that time that are key to fully understanding the character development of Sam Wilson.
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Keeping up with the MCU can feel like a full-time job at times, after all there’s been over 30 films released in the past 15 years, and countless TV series alongside them. And it all intertwines. To fully appreciate Captain America: Brave New World you might be wondering what you need to refresh yourself on? Or for newcomers to the MCU…what to watch before you catch the new release.
Here’s a list of the essential MCU films and series to revisit before you head to the theaters.
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
With Brave New World incorporating several elements and characters from The Incredible Hulk, the second ever MCU film has become essential viewing. It introduces Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (originally portrayed by the late William Hurt, now played by Harrison Ford), as well as Ross’ daughter Betty (played by Liv Tyler) and the super-intelligent villain, The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson). While these characters return in Brave New World, their origin stories begin in The Incredible Hulk.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is where we first meet Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / The Falcon, a former pararescueman who joins the original Captain America, Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans). It is clear that he’s got more to offer than just a sidekick and a loyal friend. Sam becomes essential to Captain America’s efforts to defeat the infiltration of the U.S. government by the terrorist organization Hydra. It is the start of his path to becoming Captain America.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
In Captain America: Civil War heroes fight each other when they should be united, but it’s worth watching as Sam is a full-fledged Avenger by this point. It’s the the third and final Steve Rogers-led Captain America movie and Steve, with Sam alongside him lead, the fight against a government conspiracy. By the end of the movie, The Falcon is firmly established as one of the MCU’s top heroes.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Sam returns from being disintegrated by Thano’s snap in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and joins a mass of Marvel superheroes in the fight against The Mad Titan in Avengers: Endgame. The battle ends with many iconic characters either dying or retiring, but Steve Rogers survives and lives a long life. It is here that we get the iconic passing of the torch moment, with Sam receiving the shield from Steve, making him the new Captain America.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
Watching all of the films listed above are key to catching up on the events leading up to Captain America: Brave New World. However, Mackie, as Sam Wilson, finally gets the chance to be the title character alongside Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes aka Winter Soldier in this Disney+ series. It’s perhaps the most important prelude to the new film, as it explores the passing of the torch moment in more depth. It sees Sam initially struggling with Steve Rogers’ decision to give him the shield, only to decide to take on the role of the next Captain America. It also introduces Danny Ramirez as The Falcon’s protege Joaquin Torres, who will also feature in Brand New World.
