The Star-Spangled Avenger continues to endure and evolve. The forthcoming Captain America: Brave New World symbolizes the transfer of a storied legacy to fresh faces. Anthony Mackie, now embodying Sam Wilson, expresses that the film has been an opportunity to reflect on his extraordinary decade-long connection with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, signaling a significant turning point.

With Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) having departed from the MCU, the mantle of Captain America has passed to Mackie's character, Sam Wilson. The film is tightly guarded, but rumors are swirling that Wilson will face off against the formidable villains of the Serpent Society.

Mackie, in a heartfelt pre-WGA strike interview with The Wrap, shared how shooting in the same hotel in D.C. as Winter Soldier evoked an emotional resonance, reflecting on how his character has evolved. Mackie shared,

"It kind of brought my Marvel experience full circle because we shot in D.C. at the same hotel that we shot 'Winter Soldier.' One of my first Marvel scenes was me sitting at a table talking to the senator and me and Chris [Evans] and Scarlett [ Johansson] kidnapping him and we go back and we stay at the same hotel and we shot at that same area. So in that regard, it was really emotional to think how far my character has come and where he is now after the 10 years that I've been in the MCU."

Marvel Studios consistently maintains continuity by engaging the same cast and crew across various endeavors. Mackie compared this to the familiarity of a summer camp reunion. He added,

"These Marvel movies have kind of turned into summer camp. You go to set and there's people that you've known for 10, 12 years now that you've worked with and got to know and people have kids and people get divorced and people buy homes. So it's like going back to see your old friends. So it was really easy. At no point in time did I feel like it was a different experience from any of the other Marvel movies I've done. It was just a great experience, you can only go down from here."

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Beyond a Sequel: Captain America: Brave New World’s Exploration of Character, Valor, and a New Direction

Captain America: Brave New World features an ensemble cast that includes Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, Carl Lumbly, Danny Ramirez, and MCU newcomer Shira Haas. Taking on the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, Harrison Ford will notably be succeeding the late William Hurt in the character's portrayal.

Mackie's recent comments about working with Ford illuminate the camaraderie on set, as well as the intimidation factor of acting alongside such a renowned figure. "I was so f*cking nervous I couldn't remember my lines," Mackie confessed. "He's Harrison f*cking Ford. But he dispels that really quickly because he's such a cool guy."

With Julius Onah (The Cloverfield Paradox) at the helm, Captain America: Brave New World is poised to take audiences on a fresh adventure, building on the legacy of a beloved character while carving out new paths.

Captain America: Brave New World transcends the label of a mere sequel; it's a resonant reflection of Anthony Mackie's journey, promising to deliver both thrills and emotions. Mackie's heartfelt thoughts on making the film evoke nostalgia, anticipation, and thankfulness, qualities that mirror the ongoing transformation of a character embodying valor, leadership, and honor.

Set to hit theaters on August 26, 2024, the film offers audiences an energetic blend of action-packed scenes, intricate character explorations, and a deep narrative structure, enriched by the enduring bond between Ross and Cap.