Anthony Mackie’s Concerns on Captain America: Brave New World and Its Implications for the Future of the MCU After 6 Years Post-Endgame

Anthony Mackie recently shared insights about the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World and its implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).His comments raise questions about whether Marvel can still weave a coherent narrative in the wake of the Multiverse Saga, which so far has not achieved the same level of storytelling prowess as the previous Infinity Saga. The original Infinity Saga laid a solid foundation beginning with films like Iron Man, Captain America: The First Avenger, and Thor, subsequently building towards landmark films such as The Avengers, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

With Brave New World positioning itself as the 12th film released after Avengers: Endgame, Mackie describes it as “the beginning”of a new narrative arc, rather than just a continuation of existing plotlines. During a recent press conference for the film, Mackie likened it to Captain America: The First Avenger, emphasizing its role as a “building block”for future developments in the MCU. He expressed pride in being part of this new chapter, stating:

I feel like this movie Brave New World, just like Captain America: The First Avenger, is that foundation, the building block to that next crescendo [and] massive moment in the MCU. I’m just proud that we’re here at the beginning.

While Mackie’s remarks are encouraging, they also raise concerns given the timeline of the Multiverse Saga. With two major Avengers films—Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027—looming on the horizon, the task of establishing a coherent narrative feels rushed. Marvel’s recent adaptations and storytelling choices have often felt disjointed, leaving audiences to wonder if Brave New World can truly deliver the continuity needed this late in the saga.

Captain America 4: A Turning Point in the Multiverse Saga

Is It Too Late for a New “Foundation”?

The Infinity Saga remains a benchmark for cinematic storytelling, culminating in the epic showdown of Avengers: Endgame. After this monumental success, Marvel has faced the challenge of recapturing that magic. While films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Deadpool & Wolverine have thrived, the Multiverse Saga has struggled with its narrative coherence.

New characters and plotlines are frequently introduced, yet they often lack resolution and connection across the various films and series. Mackie’s assertion that Captain America 4 represents a new “foundation”for the MCU suggests a potential for a unified storyline. However, with only a couple of years remaining until the major events of Secret Wars, the incoming narrative may face significant constraint, leaving Brave New World to bridge the gap without sufficient time for development.

Mackie’s Insights Reveal Major Shifts for the MCU

A Shift in Villain Strategy

Initially, Marvel had positioned Kang the Conqueror as the next overarching villain, following in the footsteps of Thanos. Teased in the finale of Loki Season 1 and introduced in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Kang’s storyline faltered due to poor critical response and disappointing box office results. Compounding the issue, actor Jonathan Majors faced significant legal troubles, prompting Marvel to pivot away from Kang in favor of another formidable antagonist: Doctor Doom.

The excitement surrounding Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con underscored this critical shift in direction, effectively signaling the end of Kang’s narrative. It’s speculated that the reshoots of Captain America: Brave New World may have been related to this new strategy, as Marvel adapts to its revised future for the MCU.

Beyond Secret Wars: The Future for Captain America

While Avengers: Secret Wars concludes the Multiverse Saga, Marvel’s long-term vision is already taking shape. In recent confirmations, executive Kevin Feige hinted that Secret Wars will serve as a launchpad for the X-Men, with elements potentially surfacing in Brave New World. Notably, the introduction of Adamantium—an element integral to the X-Men lore—hints at a connection to the mutant narrative, as it is famously bonded to characters like Wolverine and pivotal to the wider X-Men universe.

If Mackie’s comments indicate a beginning of a “Mutant Saga”, then Captain America: Brave New World might set the stage for groundbreaking shifts within the MCU, leaving audiences eager for what’s next.