When Sam Wilson takes flight as the main star of Captain America: Brave New World, the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings back classic legacy faces alongside fresh additions. This feature film shifts away from cosmic space operas to deliver a grounded geopolitical thriller.
Understanding who plays who helps sort out the dense web of returning veterans and dangerous newcomers. Here is the complete breakdown of the main cast, their characters, and how they fit into the story.
Returning MCU Veterans
Bringing back characters from earlier phases gives the story narrative weight, especially since some of these actors haven't appeared in a Marvel movie for over a decade.
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America
Anthony Mackie steps into his first feature film as the undisputed lead after inheriting the vibranium shield in Avengers: Endgame. Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam doesn't possess super-soldier serum enhancement, relying instead on his high-tech wings, tactical intelligence, and emotional empathy. He has to figure out what kind of hero he wants to be while navigating a dangerous international crisis.
Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross / Red Hulk
Harrison Ford joins the franchise by taking over the role of Thaddeus Ross from the late William Hurt. Ross has climbed the political ladder to become the President of the United States. He wants Sam to rebuild the Avengers as an official military unit, but his own hidden agenda and gamma-irradiated transformation into the monstrous Red Hulk spark a massive conflict.
Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns / The Leader
Tim Blake Nelson reprises his role as Samuel Sterns for the first time since 2008's The Incredible Hulk. Affected by Bruce Banner's blood years ago, Sterns operates in the shadows as The Leader, serving as the mastermind behind the psychological manipulation and chaos plaguing President Ross's administration.
Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley
Carl Lumbly returns as Isaiah Bradley, the tragic Korean War veteran introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Bradley becomes an unwitting pawn when Sterns triggers a mind-control protocol, forcing Sam to clear his name and expose deep government corruption.
Liv Tyler as Betty Ross
Liv Tyler steps back into the MCU as Betty Ross, scientific researcher and estranged daughter of Thaddeus Ross. Her return ties directly back to the events of The Incredible Hulk, adding personal stakes to her father's dangerous political ambitions.
New Characters and Actors
The movie introduces several figures from Marvel Comics who alter the political and criminal landscape of the cinematic universe.
Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres / Falcon
Danny Ramirez officially steps up as the new Falcon, inheriting Sam's former gear and aerial role in the U.S. Air Force. Torres provides tactical support and acts as Sam's closest ally on the ground and in the air.
Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph
Shira Haas plays Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Black Widow who serves as a high-ranking security advisor to President Ross. Her pragmatic view on global threats puts her at odds with Sam's idealistic approach to justice.
Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder
Giancarlo Esposito enters the fray as Sidewinder, the leader of the Serpent Society. Brought in during reshoots to anchor the film's mercenary elements, Esposito injects a sharp, cold menace into the criminal underworld.
Xosha Roquemore as Leila Taylor
Xosha Roquemore portrays Secret Service agent Leila Taylor, tasked with close protection details around the White House while keeping professional ties to Sam Wilson.
Supporting and Extended Ensemble
- Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Copperhead, a member of the criminal underworld.
- Takehiro Hira as Japanese Prime Minister Ozaki, caught in an international incident.
- William Mark McCullough as Dennis Dunphy, rounding out the grounded military presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chris Evans in Captain America: Brave New World?
No, Chris Evans does not appear in the film. The story focuses entirely on Sam Wilson cementing his status as the new Captain America without relying on the original.
Why did a different actor play Thaddeus Ross?
William Hurt passed away in 2022. Marvel Studios cast Harrison Ford to take over the role of Thaddeus Ross for this film and upcoming MCU projects.
Does Bucky Barnes appear in the movie?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes does not have a major role here, as he leads the team in Thunderbolts*, though minor cameos or connective tissue exist across Phase 5.
How does Sam fight without super-soldier powers?
Sam relies on his vibranium wings, his military combat training, Redwing drones, and the iconic shield to level the playing field against physically stronger opponents.
