In the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson faces a variety of formidable adversaries. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans are eagerly contemplating which villains from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) could emerge to challenge him in the future. Despite being part of the MCU since Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where he debuted as the Falcon, 2025 will mark Mackie’s first time leading as Captain America. With this pivotal role, the stage is set for numerous confrontations and adventures ahead.
In a recent interview with Esquire, Anthony Mackie expressed his aspiration to portray Captain America for “a solid ten years.” This long-term commitment suggests that Captain America: Brave New World is just the beginning of many thrilling stories ahead, potentially including showdowns with some of the comic’s most legendary foes. Alongside adversaries like the Red Hulk and the Leader, the possibilities for upcoming high-stakes battles are vast.
1 Wilson Fisk’s Kingpin
With Vincent D’Onofrio’s portrayal of Wilson Fisk as a central figure in the growing street-level stories of the MCU, he is set to become an even more prominent villain in Daredevil: Born Again. Fisk’s new position as the Mayor of New York City may foreshadow an adaptation of the iconic Marvel storyline, Devil’s Reign, where he outlawed vigilantism, impacting many heroes including Captain America.
The potential for an intriguing encounter between Sam Wilson and Wilson Fisk is tantalizing. Both characters lack superhuman abilities but possess exceptional skill, leading to raw and intense battles. Captain America could face a plethora of nuanced threats, with Fisk being a prime candidate in possible adaptations revolving around the Devil’s Reign narrative.
2 Henry Peter Gyrich
Sam Wilson’s Connections with Gyrich in Marvel Comics
In the comics, Henry Peter Gyrich is a notable figure that represents governmental oversight of superheroes, serving as a U. S.government liaison to the Avengers. Sam Wilson’s interactions with Gyrich may unfold as a factional conflict in Captain America: Brave New World, particularly given the film’s emphasis on political themes. An introduction of Gyrich could lay the groundwork for deep individual conflict between him and Sam Wilson.
Previously portrayed in 2000’s X-Men, Gyrich’s character had minimal impact. However, his historical ties to the Avengers, particularly his insistence that Falcon join under his regime, could parallel Sam Wilson’s journey as he endeavors to revive the Avengers, bringing Gyrich’s vision to the forefront.
3 Green Skull
Green Skull: A Relevant MCU Villain
Since the original Captain America faced Johann Schmidt’s Red Skull, the MCU has yet to introduce the Green Skull. This eco-terrorist, who first appeared in Captain America (Vol.7) #1, sought to eradicate humanity to save the planet. Although he played a minor role in interlinking with Sam Wilson’s storyline, he might provide a humorous, whimsical challenge for Mackie’s version of Captain America.
The Green Skull’s unique weapon, “Omega Fertilizer, ” creates imaginative death scenarios, accurately depicting the dark comedic tones the MCU is known for. Furthermore, showcasing the Green Skull would strengthen the connection between Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson, as they navigate personal vendettas against villains with similar themes.
4 Anti-Cap
The Creation of a New Captain America by Naval Intelligence
The concept of an “Anti-Cap, ” generated by the Office of Naval Intelligence, poses a compelling reflection of Captain America’s legacy. Utilizing experimental drugs leads to creating a volatile super-soldier who initially falls under the Navy’s control before being apprehended by Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson. This storyline intertwines direct connections to existing lore, establishing a narrative ripe for exploration in the MCU.
5 Wanda Maximoff’s Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch’s Manipulative Role in Sam Wilson’s Narrative
In comics, as Sam Wilson contends with Anti-Cap, he experiences unexpected changes attributed to Wanda Maximoff’s manipulation. Her descent into madness enables her to recreate notable events within the Avengers, deeply affecting Wilson’s psyche and partnership with Steve Rogers.
This narrative explores new avenues within the MCU, especially with Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch foreseen for a return. A possible House of M storyline may emerge, enabling Sam Wilson to confront his darker alter ego, offering Anthony Mackie a chance to explore complex character dimensions.
6 X-Men
Sam Wilson’s Role in the Avengers vs. X-Men Conflict
The tension between the Avengers and the X-Men, depicted in the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline from 2012, serves as a captivating vehicle for future MCU narratives. Although an immediate clash seems unlikely, the groundwork for such a storyline could be laid in upcoming phases.
In this narrative, Cable’s time-traveling interjection highlights the complexities when threats arise not just from supervillains but also from fellow heroes. These developments pave the way for compelling interactions that could place Sam Wilson centrally in the Avengers vs. X-Men conflict.
7 Johann Fennhoff’s Doctor Faustus
Doctor Faustus: An Enduring Captain America Antagonist
Introduced in 1968’s Captain America #107, Johann Fennhoff’s Doctor Faustus represents one of the character’s oldest and strongest opponents. As a master of psychological manipulation, Faustus offers a unique challenge for Sam Wilson’s Captain America needed to navigate a world filled with questionable motives.
His influence was starkly demonstrated in the Civil War storyline where he played a pivotal role in Sharon Carter’s choices. The potential for Faustus’s manipulation to complicate Sam Wilson’s narrative trajectory during psychological confrontations creates engaging dynamics, particularly with his history in other arcs.
8 Sin
The Red Skull’s Legacy: Sin’s Return
Sin, the Red Skull’s daughter, emerges as a natural successor to her father’s villainy, possessing superhuman abilities and sharp intellect. Her transformation into Mother Superior, leading the Sisters of Sin, presents a formidable opportunity for conflict within the MCU, particularly as Sam Wilson works to establish his place as Captain America.
With Giancarlo Esposito set to join the MCU as Seth Voelker, also known as Sidewinder, there may be a seamless transition into the introduction of Sin and the Serpent Squad, reinforcing the thematic connections to Steve Rogers’ narrative and Sam Wilson’s legacy.
9 Karl Malus & The Sons Of The Serpent
The Sons of the Serpent’s Significance to the MCU
Karl Malus’s return greatly impacts Joaquín Torres’s evolution into the Falcon, reaffirming his value within the MCU. Previously introduced in the Jessica Jones series, Malus’s operations are pivotal in granting Torres superhuman abilities via DNA splicing.
The narrative twists involving the Sons of the Serpent lend nuance to both Sam Wilson and Joaquín Torres’ arcs in Captain America: Brave New World. This storyline introduces a potential for conflict that could resonate throughout upcoming films.
10 HYDRA’s Captain America
The Concept of an Evil Steve Rogers
Speculations about Chris Evans’ return in the MCU have sparked rumors of his potential involvement as an evil version of Steve Rogers, particularly from the plot of Captain America: Steve Rogers #1. This version of Rogers, corrupted by HYDRA, could be an engaging antagonist for Sam Wilson as he defines his legacy in an iconic showdown.
The introduction of HYDRA’s Captain America might align with a larger narrative arc on the horizon, potentially intertwining with other multiversal threats. The arc culminates as Sam Wilson regains the honor of defeating this dark reflection of his mentor, showcasing the evolution of both characters.
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