Taking Up the Shield
Exploring Captain America: Brave New World with the cast and filmmakers.
In Captain America: Brave New World, Sam Wilson returns as the new Captain America, having inherited the iconic vibranium shield after Steve Rogers passed it down and chose to retire to a well-earned life of peace in the past.
While The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explored Sam’s struggle with stepping into the role—not just as America’s protector, but as a global symbol—Marvel’s latest event film sees him fully embrace the mantle. This time, he’s taking on the responsibility for real, teaming up with both familiar and new faces from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
With the film’s premiere approaching, I—along with journalists from around the world—joined a Zoom call with the cast and filmmakers of Captain America: Brave New World to talk about their experiences making the film and the themes at its core.
On the call were director Julius Onah, producer Nate Moore, and MCU’s head honcho Kevin Feige, along with the cast: Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), Harrison Ford (President Thaddeus Ross), Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres/Falcon), Shira Haas (Ruth Bat-Seraph), Giancarlo Esposito (Seth Voelker/Sidewinder), Carl Lumbly (Isaiah Bradley), and Tim Blake Nelson (Samuel Sterns/The Leader).
The press conference, which was held via Zoom on February 2nd, 2025, includes light spoilers for Captain America: Brave New World.
Anthony Mackie on Becoming Captain America
Anthony Mackie shared what playing Captain America has meant to him and the biggest lessons he’s taken from stepping into the iconic mantle.
“Enjoy it,” he said with a grin. “That was the biggest thing for me. On our first day on set, all these people I had known for over a decade came up and said congratulations. It was surreal. Bob Moore, my dresser, worked with me all the way back on Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Russell Bobbitt, who’s done props on every movie I’ve been in, was there again. The Bobbitts handled the props for Captain America: Brave New World.”
Mackie described the experience as coming full circle, reconnecting with longtime collaborators who had been part of his journey from the very beginning. Seeing the character reach this moment alongside the same crew and colleagues made it even more meaningful. “You see this character grow and get his moment to shine. And I got to do it with the same stars and friends I started with.”
Finding the New Captain America
For Kevin Feige, Captain America: Brave New World was always about continuing Sam Wilson’s journey.
“It was really all about Sam Wilson as Captain America,” Feige explained. “We saw him in Avengers: Endgame, the biggest movie we’ve ever made. We saw Steve Rogers pass the shield to him, and we wanted to continue that story.”
Beyond Sam’s evolution, Feige emphasized Marvel’s ongoing mission to introduce new characters to the MCU, with this film expanding the universe by weaving fresh faces into the existing legacy of Captain America. “It’s always about bringing new characters in, and this amazing cast you see before you did just that.”
Directing Superheroes
Director Julius Onah talked about how taking the helm of this massive superhero movie was a career-defining moment:
“It means the world to me,” Onah said. “The Captain America franchise is at the core of the MCU. Cap has always been a great leader of the Avengers, but what really excited me was the story at the heart of this film—it’s intense, action-packed, and full of emotion.”
Onah was particularly drawn to the film’s themes. “Everyone at Marvel and this cast embraced the idea of empathy, of seeing the best in each other. That was something I was really excited to explore.”
Blending large-scale action with deeply personal character moments made this project especially rewarding for Onah, as he sought to ensure that every explosive sequence served the emotional arc of the story. “Getting to direct a film that’s packed with action and incredible visual effects, but also has rich characters and a powerful theme—it’s everything I could have hoped for. And working with a cast like this? Absolutely amazing.”
Harrison Ford…Now with Extra Gamma
Harrison Ford may have played a president before in Air Force One (1997), but this time, his character take on something a much wilder—transforming into the Red Hulk. And if Harrison has anything to say about it, he’ll be back for more.
“Well, I hope he can come back,” Ford said. “I hope there’s a story where he can develop beyond just being the Red Hulk. I think there’s room to shift between his ‘Hulkness’ and his humanity, but that’s not really my department.”
For Ford, the chance to join the Marvel universe was exciting, especially the opportunity to step into a larger-than-life role with a character as complex as Thunderbolt Ross. “I was very happy to play in this playground. What an amazing group of people to work with, and what an imaginative reality to be part of.”
Taking on the role of Thunderbolt Ross also carried a sense of legacy, both as a continuation of the character's presence in the MCU and as a tribute to the late William Hurt, who previously brought Ross to life on screen. “I was honored to build on the foundation that a wonderful actor, Bill Hurt, provided for the character. The story feels like a natural extension of everything Ross has been part of.”
And, of course, there was another reason Ford wanted in. “I watched Marvel movies, seeing actors I really liked and admired having a great time, and I thought—hey, I want me some of that,” he said with a grin. You know the one…
From Fanboy to Falcon
Danny Ramirez couldn’t resist picking up on Harrison Ford’s comment.
“Well, I also want some of that—and luckily, I got some of that too,” he said, laughing. “I feel you, I feel you.”
Taking on the role of Falcon was something he didn’t take lightly. “It’s been an absolute honor to be entrusted with any mantle, let alone Falcon—especially one that Anthony Mackie established. Hearing his stories about all the letters he used to write to Kevin [Feige] just to get into the MCU, it really humbles me. I mean, I was just grateful to get the audition, let alone the opportunity to step into something that’s already so well established.”
For Ramirez, the experience mirrored his own life in ways he didn’t expect, as he, like Joaquin Torres, found himself stepping into the shoes of a beloved character while proving he could rise to the occasion. “At that moment, it felt like everything aligned. I was stepping into a role while working with some of my heroes—people I’ve admired for so long. That was a dream come true for both Danny and Joaquin.”
And, of course, he wasn’t leaving without showing some love. “Shoutout to Anthony, shoutout to Harrison, and shoutout to the MCU.”
Building a Brave New World
Producer Nate Moore was eager to highlight how Anthony Mackie has truly made the role of Captain America his own.
“I think you’re gonna get everything you love about Sam Wilson—he’s charismatic, he’s empathetic—but he’s also got some new tools in this film, which I think are really fun,” Moore said. “We got to build action sequences in ways we’ve never done before.”
Beyond the spectacle, Moore credited the cast for adding so much to the film. “This cast has brought so much life to the story, and I think audiences are really going to love it.”
For Moore, what made Captain America: Brave New World special was watching Sam Wilson not just carry the shield, but truly make it his own. “As Kevin said, we couldn’t be more excited. Seeing Sam take the mantle and own the mantle—that’s what excites me most about this film.”
The Unexpected Return of Samuel Sterns
For Tim Blake Nelson, returning to the role of Samuel Sterns—who we last saw in The Incredible Hulk (2008)—meant going back to a character that had evolved in unexpected ways, requiring him to tap into new aspects of his performance.
“This version of the character is not the one I expected to play,” Nelson admitted. “But in stepping into it, I had to become a better actor. Thanks to Kevin, Nate, Julius, and the writers, they created a beautifully nuanced character—one that was a real challenge to play. And honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to do it 15 years ago. Hopefully, I’ve grown as an actor since then.”
Growth, he explained, is what every actor strives for. “We want to keep getting better, and I needed this maturity to play the character they wrote. I’m incredibly grateful they asked me back, and I had a great time with such a phenomenal cast—many of whom I’ve known for years.”
Nelson also praised MCU for its casting, highlighting how they consistently bring in actors with depth and range who can elevate their characters beyond traditional superhero tropes. “One of the things I admire about Marvel is how they curate their world. They don’t make shallow casting choices. They bring in serious actors. That starts with Anthony—he has such depth and soul as an actor. But honestly, that applies to everyone on this screen right now, and it’s great to be part of that group.”
Getting to the Action
For Shira Haas and Xosha Roquemore, preparing for their roles meant months of intense training.
“The training was so cool and fun,” Roquemore said. “I got to do boxing, gun training—it was a blast.”
Haas nodded in agreement. “Yeah, yeah. We spent a lot of time together in the training group. It was fun—but also intense. We trained five times a week for months. I love working out and sports, but this was on a whole other level,” she said with a laugh.
Beyond the physical demands, Haas saw the experience as an opportunity to explore her character’s resilience, background, and emotional depth in a way she hadn’t before. “It was a pleasure, and it really helped me connect with the role and the world of the film. It’s completely different from anything I’ve done before, which, for an actress, is a real gift. Getting to do something new and step into the MCU, especially in a film like this, was incredibly exciting.”
For Haas, joining the MCU was an exciting change to a different scale and energy than her past projects.
“Yeah, it definitely feels like something incredibly exciting and different,” she said. “Being part of the MCU—it’s, honestly, a dream come true. Actually, it’s even bigger than that.”
While the role pushed her into new territory, she didn’t leave her dramatic roots behind. “I think it’s hard to separate that side of me from this role. At least the way I approached it, I wanted to carry over those dramatic elements, even while having so much fun, being a total badass, and getting to do some of the most exciting scenes I’ve ever done.”
Adding depth to the character mattered just as much as the action. “I approached it with an awareness of her past, where she comes from, and how this is a step forward for her. That was really important to me.”
The experience, she said, was a true adventure. “Playing Ruth was the perfect way to step into this world. And getting to do it alongside this amazing cast and crew? Just incredible.”
Giancarlo Esposito Joins the MCU…Finally!
Giancarlo Esposito, an actor with a career spanning 50 years, finally makes his MCU debut as Sidewinder—an opportunity he embraces as both a fresh challenge and a long-awaited step into the franchise.
“I feel honored,” he said. “Joining the MCU means stepping into a franchise with real integrity. These films entertain, but they also mean something. The depth of this film, to me, is in its relationships—the bonds that create empathy, friendship, trust, and even suspicion. Those elements are tantalizing to me.”
The chance to bring a new character into this world made the role even more exciting. “I’ve wanted to work with this group for a long time. We all know the fan casting rumors, but what really thrilled me was the idea of doing something new and different. I respect Anthony Mackie tremendously, and as Captain America, he embodies charisma, leadership, and morality—qualities he’s lived, not just performed.”
Esposito connected strongly with the themes of Captain America: Brave New World, especially in how Sam Wilson has stepped up to lead. “I have a saying: you can’t lead unless you can follow. Sam has spent years watching from the sidelines, seeing the world for what it is, and now he’s taken all of his courage, humanity, and fearlessness to stand on the side of good. That resonates with me because, in many ways, it mirrors my own growth.”
Even as Sidewinder, Esposito found himself drawn to Captain America’s ideals. “There’s a deep respect, a playfulness, and something about him that I recognize—maybe even wish I could be. That’s what makes great movies, man,” he said with a grin. “People are going to see this and relate on a deeper level. It’s not just about their families; it’s about how we all connect as human beings and how we choose to live an admirable life.”
Working with Julius Onah and the Marvel team reinforced that sense of purpose, particularly through their collaborative approach, strong storytelling vision, and deep respect for character development. “This team is mindful. In my conversations with Julius, we focused on who this guy really is and how we should shape him. There’s mindfulness to the bigger picture of what this story is saying. But as Nate Moore reminded me, this is entertainment—it has to be fun. And that mix is what makes me so proud to be part of this project.”
A Different Kind of Captain America
Anthony Mackie highlighted how Sam Wilson's leadership as Captain America differs from Steve Rogers', focusing on his unique approach to empathy and connection.
“I think Sam and Steve are similar in a lot of ways,” Mackie said. “That’s why Steve gave him the shield—because of his integrity and humanity.”
But where Steve was a soldier, Sam brings something different to the role. “There’s a certain level of compassion and understanding that defines Sam Wilson. Remember, when we first met him, he was a counselor. He was a veteran. He was an open book—someone who led with goodwill and intention. That’s a big part of who he is, both as Captain America and as a person.”
For Mackie, that perspective shapes the kind of leader Sam becomes, influencing the way he approaches conflict, builds alliances, and inspires those around him through action rather than power. “It takes a very compassionate person to be a listener, to be a counselor. Julius and I talked about that from the beginning—how do we bring that understanding, that empathy, into an action movie of this scale? How do we show who Sam Wilson really is, not as a brute force, but as someone whose strength comes from his humanity?”
“This movie establishes Sam as his own being, his own version of Captain America,” he said. “The fact that he’s never taken the serum, that he’s every man’s Captain America—I think that’s going to have a real impact on the franchise moving forward. It gives him a unique perspective, one that’s grounded in the experience of the regular guy rather than the super guy.”
For Mackie, that distinction is what makes Sam stand out. “It’s rare to have a hero people can truly see themselves in, and I think that’s something audiences will connect with in a big way.”
The Inspirations Behind Brave New World
Kevin Feige, Nate Moore and Julius Onah also revealed how they worked with the inspiration for Captain America: Brave New World.
“President Thunderbolt Ross has been a character in the comics for many, many decades,” Feige explained. “There’s a storyline where he became president and eventually turned into the Red Hulk, which was obviously a major inspiration for us.” He turned to Nate Moore for specifics. “Nate, when were those comics—10, 15 years ago?”
“Yeah, not too long ago,” Moore confirmed. “We also pulled a little inspiration from Steve Englehart’s Secret Empire run from 1974. In that story, Captain America clashed with the president, and while it was an allegory for its time, we found elements that resonated with Brave New World.”
Moore also referenced Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Captain America run, particularly a striking cover from 2018 featuring Cap and the Red Hulk. “As always, we draw from a lot of different parts of comic history because there’s so much great material, not just in storytelling but visually. The fun of these movies is taking all of that and crafting something fresh.”
Julius Onah echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the film had to stand on its own. “We looked at all of those sources, plus what came before in the MCU and even the old TV show. But like Nate said, it was about making a film that anyone could walk into—whether they’ve read the comics or not—and follow Sam Wilson’s journey.”
For Onah, Sam’s defining trait as Captain America was his ability to connect with others. “This is a new Cap, a Cap whose superpower is empathy, and that’s something we really leaned into. No matter who you are, I think you can enjoy this as a great movie. It’s our first big event film of 2025, and I can’t wait for people around the world to see it.”
Marvel’s New Odd Couple
The comedic timing and natural banter between Anthony Mackie and Danny Ramirez is one of the film’s highlights, making their chemistry feel effortless from the start.
“I’ll say this,” Mackie began with a laugh. “After spending five minutes with Danny, it’s impossible not to like him. His energy is infectious. He’s always just him, no matter what, and I love that. I never had to work on it or try to build chemistry—it was just there from the first moment. It’s weird, but from the second I met this dude—right off the plane—he already felt like a friend. I can’t imagine anybody else in that role.”
Ramirez smiled at the praise. “That means a lot. I see it a little differently because I’ve looked up to Anthony for a long time. From the moment we got to set, I just got to throw down with someone I’ve admired from a distance. But what really stood out to me was watching him be a leader on set. He created a culture that let everyone be themselves.”
That atmosphere of trust and playful energy, Ramirez explained, made all the difference in allowing their chemistry to develop naturally. “Had it been different, I don’t think I would have felt the same freedom to be myself. But the way Anthony leads—whether it’s his five-to-ten-minute comedy routine every few hours—just gives you that permission. It made me feel confident when making choices in scenes. There’s no judgment, everyone is rooting for each other. That’s why the banter and improvisation worked so well.”
Julius Onah jumped in to confirm how natural their dynamic was. “There’s a huge scene between Danny and Anthony in the movie, and I set aside an hour to rehearse it. They came in, ran through it once, nailed it, and then spent the next 50 minutes talking shit to each other,” he said, laughing. “As a director, it’s magical to witness, and I think audiences are in for a real treat with their relationship.”
Mackie, unable to resist one last jab, had some advice for the audience: “Just don’t travel with him. Whatever you do, meet him there. Do not travel with him.”
Action with Purpose
For director Julius Onah, the challenge of delivering fresh and exciting action sequences in a film of this scale came down to one key factor: ensuring Captain America: Brave New World reflected Sam Wilson’s identity—his fighting style, leadership, and personal journey.
“The biggest challenge is making sure you’re offering something new,” Onah explained. “But the huge asset we had was Anthony Mackie and Sam Wilson. I wanted to think a lot about how we tell the story of his emotional journey through action. How do we introduce our new Cap in a way that feels unique?”
One moment in particular stood out for Onah. “One of my favorite things—and I’m eternally grateful to Nate, Kevin, and the whole Marvel team for this—there’s a moment early on where Mackie gets to handle a brick. And Mackie loved handling that brick. I bugged him so much about that brick,” he said, laughing.
That small but meaningful moment was a reflection of Sam’s identity as a different kind of Captain America—one who relies on strategy, adaptability, and resilience rather than superhuman strength. “Because of the choices he’s made, he’s got to improvise. He’s got to get scrappy. But no matter what, he’s gonna handle his business. That was the mindset behind the action—making it a little messier, a little more intense. This is a guy who gets things done, and that opens up opportunities for surprises.”
Another element that set Sam’s action apart was his tech. “What makes him a different Cap is how we leaned into his technology—especially the Wakandan wings. The fact that he can absorb and emit energy, the way he moves through the air, slicing, soaring—it’s some really cool stuff. And that’s another way we made his action feel fresh and unexpected.”
For Onah, it all came down to striking the right balance. “It’s about heart, but it’s also about his incredible skillset and tools. And all of that was part of crafting action that would surprise audiences.”
The Spirit of Captain America
As Captain America: Brave New World marks the next chapter in the MCU, the cast and filmmakers reflected on what they hope audiences will take away from the film.
Kevin Feige saw it as a milestone. “In many ways, the victory has already happened,” he said. “This film cements Sam Wilson as Captain America. The shield has been passed, and I think the audience knows it went to the right person. This movie solidifies that even further. And just hearing this amazing cast speak today — it’s all poured into this film.”
Xosha Roquemore, stepping into the MCU for the first time, hoped audiences would embrace the change. “It’s about stepping into something new. With the shield being passed to Sam, it’s about believing in that transition, being excited about it, and living in this new space with new characters and a new story.”
For producer Nate Moore, it was all about the experience. “I just hope they have fun. It’s a really entertaining movie. I hope they’re surprised — not just by the action and the twists but also by the emotion. Julius is such a talented filmmaker, always looking for the human truth in a story. I hope people walk away saying, ‘That was a great ride — but wow, I didn’t realize how emotional it would be.’”
Julius Onah echoed that sentiment. “This movie is about cementing Sam Wilson as our new Captain America. And like Mackie said, his superpower is empathy. I want audiences to walk away feeling that. The action, the twists, the fun ride — all of it leads to that emotional core. And I think that’s something people want and need right now.”
Danny Ramirez believed the film would leave audiences energized. “I just want them to walk out hyped. It’s such an exciting film, and it has so much emotional depth. I think people will walk away feeling fulfilled. We always talk about capturing magic, and there are so many moving pieces that need to align for that to happen. But having seen it, I think we caught some magic in a bottle.”
Tim Blake Nelson reflected on the MCU’s legacy. “I’m amazed at how seriously we all take the fun of it,” he said. “That starts with Kevin and his team, and it runs through every performance. Harrison — what I love about watching you in this is that you bring that same level of commitment and soul to a comic book movie. And people might ridicule me for saying this, but it’s like watching you play Lear. This is American mythology, and I can’t wait for people to see the depth of these performances and to ask themselves, ‘What in the world is going to happen next?’”
Harrison Ford, always direct, kept it simple. “When you talk about a film’s ambitions, you talk about all the things we’ve discussed today. But what I think is essential is that the audience experiences it — that they participate in it emotionally. A movie like this, one that’s action-packed and imaginative, still needs a representation of humanity that feels real. It needs to be recognizable. The good guys, the bad guys — everything has to feel cogent, comfortable, so that the audience can be surprised by their own engagement. They don’t know where the story will take them, and I think this film delivers that in spades.”
Giancarlo Esposito took a broader view. “All of our history has brought us to this moment. As an actor, as a human being, my mission is to be in service. And the depth with which this film was created — from Kevin, Nate, and Julius to the writers and the performances from Harrison, Danny, Anthony, and Tim — reflects what people are looking for. When I watch this movie, I see someone I want to follow.”
For Esposito, that’s what makes Brave New World special. “People want to follow someone who serves others. They may not even realize it, but when they see this movie, they’re going to feel it. They’re going to feel it in a visceral way — they’re going to want to be up there, to be led by this Captain America. They’re going to want to be good people. And yet, they won’t even think about that in the moment because the ride is so fast, so deep, and so relevant to our world today. This film is entertainment, but it’s also a reflection of our journey and beyond.”
Finally, Anthony Mackie, Captain America himself, closed things out with a reflection on the MCU’s evolution. “I remember being on the Endgame set, talking to Kevin, and he said, ‘It’s going to take time for people to get over Endgame.’ And he was right. It was a crescendo of emotion, of cinematic excellence, and it was the end. That’s why it was called Endgame — because it was the end of that story.”
But Mackie sees Captain America: Brave New World as the beginning of something new. “Just like Captain America: The First Avenger was the foundation for everything that followed, I feel like Brave New World is that next foundation — the first building block toward the next massive moment in the MCU. And I’m proud to be here at the start of that journey. I feel like Marvel gave me the best crew, the best script, the best cast, the best opportunity to make the best movie we could. And I’m just proud of it. Looking at everything that came before and knowing this is where we are now — I’m really proud of what we made.”
And there we go. Captain America’s story has always been a favorite of mine, and with Steve Rogers passing the shield to Sam Wilson, that story—and everything it stands for—continues. And while the world outside may sometimes feel dark and uncertain, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, at least, the idea and themes of Captain America still mean something.