Sam Wilson is Captain America, and after the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
just revealed details about the upcoming movie Avengers: Doomsday
, I’m convinced he is officially the new leader of the team. On March 26th, 2025, Marvel released an extensive cast list for Avengers: Doomsday, with more names teased to be added as the production progresses. However, it was controversial in terms of the way that Marvel Studios made this announcement.
Over various social media platforms, the official accounts of Marvel Studios live-streamed a video that gradually unveiled a total of 27 names of actors who are all set to appear in the first chapter of the Multiverse Saga’s Swan Song. The live stream lasted over five and a half hours, with large pauses between each announcement. However, as controversial as the method of the reveal was, the contents of each may hint at some interesting developments among the core team of superheroes.
Captain America: Brave New World Set Up Sam Wilson To Restart The Avengers
Sam Wilson Finally Embraced His Role As Captain America
During Captain America: Brave New World, the debut film for Sam Wilson to take over the mantle as Captain America, there were several moments that pointed to Sam forming a new team. Initially, President Ross asks Sam to do so on his behalf, with oversight by the government. However, as things devolve, Sam and President Ross end up on opposite sides. Despite this, the idea of restarting the Avengers is clearly stuck in Sam’s head.
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Among the many cast members confirmed in Avengers: Doomsday, one of the expected new additions was conspicuously absent: Shira Haas’s Black Widow.
As the film comes to a close, Sam is determined to get the Avengers established once again as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, but it will presumably take time and persuasion to get the heroes to join under a single banner again. However, as Brave New World highlighted, despite Sam’s lack of superpowers, he is clearly gifted when it comes to negotiating and inspiring others. Which makes him the perfect candidate to rally heroes together and create a brand-new Avengers team.
Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday Announcement Sets Up Sam Wilson As The Avengers’ Leader
It’s All In The Reveal For Avengers: Doomsday
This appears to be further confirmed by the way Anthony Mackie, the actor behind the character of Sam Wilson, was announced as joining the cast for Avengers: Doomsday. Throughout the live stream, with each new announcement, each name was accompanied by a theme song, or relevant sounds that are synonymous with their characters. Well-known heroes like Ant-Man, Loki, and Black Widow had their respective themes played as the actors’ names were revealed. However, despite starring in a recent Captain America movie and having his own theme, Anthony Mackie’s announcement was slightly different.
Mackie’s name was revealed as the familiar tune of The Avengers played in the background. This clearly indicates that Sam Wilson is going to be a central figure for the Avengers moving forward, and as the new Captain America, it makes perfect sense for him to take on a leading role. He is a strategist, a soldier, a fighter, a counselor, and someone who knows what it means to be a hero. So, when it comes to bringing a team of heroes together, Sam Wilson appears to be perfectly positioned to make this happen.
Will Sam Wilson Lead ALL The Heroes In Avengers: Doomsday?
The Avengers Are Just One Of The Superhero Teams Present In Doomsday
However, Avengers: Doomsday does highlight another issue that could stand in the way of Sam’s path to leading the heroes. Among the 27 names of different cast members announced for the upcoming film, there are a wide variety of teams, with some being significantly more established than Sam Wilson and whatever rag-tag team of heroes he pulls together. Yes, there are candidates to become Avengers, and even former alumni of the team, but they are joined by the likes of the original Fox X-Men, led by Patrick Stewart as Professor X, The Fantastic Four, led by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, and the Thunderbolts, whose leadership structure appears less clear.
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With this in mind, Sam could be facing some stiff competition from experienced leaders who want to step up and save everyone. And that is assuming that these characters could all get along in the first place. The reality is more likely to see some of these teams distrust one another, potentially form alliances, and fight. However, Sam Wilson’s diplomacy skills may be crucial during these tense times, and it could mean that he will have the level-headed and calm voice that helps to steer the heroes to form one large team, and fight back against the larger threat of Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Avengers: Doomsday
- Release Date
-
May 1, 2026
- Writers
-
Stephen McFeely
-
Vanessa Kirby
Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
-
Johnny Storm / Human Torch
-
Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Ben Grimm / The Thing
-
Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
