Captain America: Brave New World is now in theaters, giving Marvel Cinematic Universe fans their best look yet at Sam Wilson’s unparalleled aura in the role of the Star-Spangled Man. Whether fighting the villainous members of the Serpent Society, brainwashed soldiers, or giant hulking Presidents, Captain America proves himself a true hero during the events of his first solo film. Thankfully, Sam isn’t in the fight alone this time. Standing at his side is his new sidekick and replacement as the Falcon, Joaquin Torres, played by Danny Ramirez, who is undoubtedly one of the best parts of the film.

Despite a largely negative critical reception, Brave New World has received mostly positive audience reviews. However, one thing that both audiences and critics seem to agree on is that the chemistry between Sam Wilson and Joaquin Torres is a highlight of the film. Torres made his MCU debut in Disney+’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which teased his future as the new Falcon after Sam’s promotion to Captain America. Torres finally takes flight in Brave New World, fighting alongside Captain America as the Falcon. Though he is still a rookie superhero, Falcon has a bright future ahead of him in the MCU, which could include appearances in several confirmed and rumored upcoming projects.

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Falcon Could Be a Part of the Young Avengers

The Young Avengers Are Building Up Their Ranks in the MCU

An MCU Young Avengers team has been rumored for many years, with many Multiverse Saga projects seemingly setting up their debut. Throughout Phases 4 and 5, the MCU has introduced multiple prominent members of the Young Avengers comic lineup, including Kate Bishop, America Chavez, Billy Maximoff, Tommy Maximoff, Cassie Lang, Elijah Bradley, Riri Williams, and more. The Marvels even teased that Kamala Khan, a.k.a. Ms. Marvel, was beginning to gather the various members of the Young Avengers and would perhaps lead the team when it finally makes its debut. Although there is no official word on when or where audiences may finally see the Earth’s Youngest Heroes unite, the Young Avengers’ MCU debut is inevitable.

Although Joaquin Torres is not a Young Avenger in the comics, he would make a terrific addition to the team in the MCU. The character’s breakout success after The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Captain America: Brave New World leaves audiences excited about where the Falcon may appear next in the franchise. While Torres could always become a member of the main Avengers team, he would no doubt become a periphery character in massive team-up films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, with bigger heroes taking the spotlight in such stories. Torres would have more time to shine as a member of the Young Avengers. Although the new Falcon appears to be in his early 30s, he wouldn’t be too far outside the age range for the Young Avengers and could perhaps fit into the team’s lineup as a more experienced hero who could offer guidance to his younger, more immature brothers and sisters-in-arms.

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Falcon Could Play a Role in Thunderbolts*

Brave New World and Thunderbolts* Could Have More Connections Than Fans Think

Thunderbolts* is the next cinematic installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Captain America: Brave New World and promises to be one of the most exciting Phase 5 films yet. The film features an unlikely team-up between several notable Multiverse Saga characters, including Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, Taskmaster, and Ghost. These are all brought together by Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s CIA director, Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and roped into a dangerous mission that involves a mysterious new superhuman named Bob, who is later revealed to be the all-powerful Sentry (whose darker half, the Void, threatens billions of lives). Despite very little history together and a very limited set of powers, the Thunderbolts must band together to protect the world, which still waits for the Avengers.

Bucky Barnes will play a significant role in Thunderbolts*, suggesting that there could be a connection between the upcoming film and Brave New World. Just as Bucky made a surprise cameo in the latest Captain America movie, certain Brave New World characters could pop up for a surprise appearance in Thunderbolts*. While Sam Wilson might be too busy keeping the world in order as Captain America, Joaquin Torres could meet Bucky’s new superhero team during the events of the upcoming MCU movie. Torres is a proven superhero fan, which would be a fun quality to play with when he meets a group of superheroes who aren’t nearly as famous or as beloved as the Avengers. Playing with the idea that even Joaquin doesn’t know who the Thunderbolts are would be a fun way to poke at the team, while also teasing audiences for their similar reactions when the film’s lineup was first announced.

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Falcon Will Most Likely Return in Avengers: Doomsday

Avengers: Doomsday Will Feature Many Heroes From Across the MCU

Avengers: Doomsday is one of the MCU’s most exciting upcoming films, marking the first of a two-part finale to the long-running Multiverse Saga. The film has undergone many major changes in recent years, with Marvel Studios pivoting away from its Kang the Conqueror storyline in favor of an arc centered around a new big bad, Doctor Doom, who will be played in the upcoming film by former Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. The film also sees the return of Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed the finale of the Infinity Saga, achieving widespread acclaim. The stage is set for an epic Avengers reunion during the events of Doomsday, perfectly setting up one of the biggest crossover events of all time in Avengers: Secret Wars the following year.

It seems likely that Sam Wilson will lead the Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday, stepping into the role that Steve Rogers left behind when he retired at the end of the Infinity Saga. If Sam is heading up Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, it is almost certain that his trusty sidekick, Joaquin Torres, will become a member of the Avengers by the end of the Multiverse Saga. If the new Falcon does indeed join the Avengers in Doomsday, audiences shouldn’t expect to see too much of him in the film. Doomsday will balance an extraordinarily large cast that features several heavy-hitters, including Thor, the Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom, Captain America, Doctor Strange, and more. As such, Falcon may only make a small appearance in the upcoming crossover film. Even so, this could act as the first in a long list of missions that Joaquin Torres joins alongside the Avengers, setting up a bigger role for him in the future of the MCU.

Captain America: Brave New World

Release Date

February 14, 2025

Director

Julius Onah

Writers

Dalan Musson, Malcolm Spellman

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  Anthony Mackie

  Sam Wilson / Captain America

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  Harrison Ford

  Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross / Red Hulk