# **How Captain America: Brave New World Prepares for Thunderbolts***
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) keeps growing, and with *Captain America: Brave New World*, audiences are beginning to see how forthcoming films like *Thunderbolts* and *Avengers: Doomsday* will develop. The new *Captain America* film not only confirms Sam Wilson’s (Anthony Mackie) role as the new Cap but also introduces vital plot elements that will significantly impact upcoming MCU stories.
One of the most thrilling surprises in *Brave New World* is a significant cameo that directly links to *Thunderbolts*, paving the way for what could be one of the most exciting team-ups in MCU history.
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## **The Key Captain America 4 Cameo**
MCU enthusiasts have long speculated about Bucky Barnes’ (Sebastian Stan) return in *Captain America 4*, particularly after his compelling teamwork with Sam Wilson in *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*. While Bucky’s role in *Brave New World* is not extensive, his fleeting appearance has notable repercussions for *Thunderbolts*.
In the movie, Bucky visits Sam in the hospital following a significant battle, disclosing his congressional run. This unexpected turn suggests that when *Thunderbolts* occurs, Bucky will have already secured his election. This aligns with earlier leaks indicating Bucky’s political ambitions prior to returning to action.
This cameo not only validates Bucky’s connection to *Thunderbolts* but also offers insight into the MCU’s timeline, aiding fans in grasping the sequence of these events.
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## **The MCU Timeline and Its Influence on Thunderbolts**
One of the pressing questions regarding the current phase of the MCU is its timeline. *Captain America 4* sheds some light by confirming that President Thunderbolt Ross (Harrison Ford) is elected in November 2026, with most of the film’s narrative occurring in early 2027.
This indicates that *Thunderbolts* will likely occur soon after *Brave New World*, positioning it as one of the next significant MCU happenings. Given Bucky’s congressional campaign in *Captain America 4*, it’s reasonable to conclude that by the time *Thunderbolts* commences, he will have already been elected.
This also poses an intriguing question: could Bucky be leading the Thunderbolts as a congressman? If this is the case, it could add a new dimension to his character as he juggles political duties alongside his superhero responsibilities.
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## **Thunderbolts or Avengers?**
A primary enigma surrounding *Thunderbolts* is whether the team will eventually be perceived as the new Avengers. The film’s title implies that the group will start off under the Thunderbolts banner, but there are indications suggesting they might evolve into the New Avengers by the film’s conclusion.
In *Captain America 4*, President Ross requests Sam Wilson to reform the Avengers, only to withdraw the offer in irritation before becoming Red Hulk. Conversely, Sam chooses to gather his own Avengers team on his own terms. This hints at the possibility of various factions contending for the Avengers title as *Thunderbolts* unfolds.
Leaks have already teased a comedic moment in *Avengers: Doomsday* where Sam’s Avengers encounter the Thunderbolts Avengers, leading to a humorous exchange between Sam and Bucky. This could lay the foundation for a significant conflict—or collaboration—between the two teams.
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## **Why Captain America May Not Step In During Thunderbolts**
A persisting question is why Sam Wilson wouldn’t intervene during the events of *Thunderbolts*, especially considering the enormous threat alluded to in the Super Bowl trailer. The film seems poised around a devastating crisis in New York, which would generally necessitate an Avengers-level response.
One possible explanation is that Sam is absorbed in assembling his own Avengers team and addressing the aftermath of *Brave New World*. Alternatively, he might be restricted by the government from intervening, leaving the Thunderbolts to tackle the emergency independently.
Regardless of the motivation, *Thunderbolts* appears to be shaping up to be a crucial film within the MCU, potentially acting as an undercover *Avengers* installment. With Bucky spearheading the mission and a significant threat looming, the film could reshape the franchise’s future.
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## **Final Thoughts**
*Captain America: Brave New World* accomplishes more than just establishing Sam Wilson as the new Captain America—it sets the groundwork for *Thunderbolts* and the MCU’s future. Bucky’s cameo, the timeline insights, and the hints at multiple Avengers teams all signal an exhilarating new chapter for Marvel.
With *Thunderbolts* scheduled for a May 2025 release, fans won’t have to wait long.
