2 Upcoming MCU Movies Set to End the Super Soldier Trend of Phase 4

With the onset of Phase 4, the portrayal of super soldiers within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) experienced a noticeable transformation. However, two highly anticipated films, Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*, set to release in 2025, promise to reintroduce the concept of super soldiers with renewed vigor, showcasing their extraordinary capabilities and significance in the MCU landscape.

Historically, super soldiers occupied a pivotal role in the MCU narrative, particularly throughout the first three phases. Their influence and power began to wane, especially following the events of Avengers: Endgame and continuing into Phase 4. Nevertheless, the upcoming projects for 2025 present an opportunity for these formidable characters to reclaim their place in the spotlight, highlighting their strength and importance once more.

The Diminished Super Soldier Mythology in Phase 4

Falcon and the Winter Soldier Flag Smasher

In earlier MCU phases, super soldiers like Captain America and Bucky Barnes exemplified remarkable strength, which was underscored by Bucky and Steve’s attempts to thwart the threat posed by the Winter Soldiers during Captain America: Civil War. Captain America, with his iconic invincibility, epitomized the super soldier ideal. However, after Avengers: Endgame, the narrative subtly shifted, resulting in characters such as Bucky and John Walker being portrayed with diminished strength relative to their predecessors.

The series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier further contributed to this trend, depicting the Flag Smashers as a group of super soldiers whose perceived invincibility was seriously challenged. Many members of this organization met their end, reinforcing the notion that even those enhanced by the serum were not as omnipotent as initially believed.

Two Marvel Films in 2025 Poised to Resurrect the Super Soldier Legacy

Super Soldiers in Thunderbolts* and Captain America: Brave New World
Name	First Appearance
Bucky Barnes	Captain America: The First Avenger
Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian	Black Widow
John Walker / U.S. Agent	The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Bob / Sentry	Thunderbolts*
Isaiah Bradley	The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
President Ross / Red Hulk	The Incredible Hulk

The two forthcoming MCU films are set to rejuvenate the conversation surrounding super soldiers. Captain America: Brave New World will reintroduce key characters from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, particularly focusing on President Ross’s transformation into the Red Hulk. Meanwhile, Thunderbolts* will feature an ensemble of super soldiers, including Bucky, U.S. Agent, and the Red Guardian, while also introducing Bob, known as Sentry—one of the most potent heroes in the Marvel lore.

In Captain America: Brave New World, Isaiah Bradley’s return is expected to be significant, with trailers suggesting a storyline involving his assassination attempt on Ross, thus hinting at his potential role as a weapon of the serum. President Ross’s connection to the super serum, dating back to The Incredible Hulk, culminates in his transformation, further intertwining with Captain America’s narrative.

How Super Soldiers Enrich Sam’s Captain America Narrative

Sam Wilson fighting in a blossom field in Captain America Brave New World

Some audiences may feel that the super soldier concept has reached its limits within the MCU, yet it can be argued that their ongoing existence enhances Sam Wilson’s journey as the new Captain America. Unlike Steve Rogers and John Walker, Sam Wilson does not possess super-soldier enhancement, which amplifies the magnitude of his heroism when he takes on the mantle of Captain America. His determination to embrace this responsibility without enhanced abilities illustrates his remarkable resolve.

This narrative avenue also highlights Sam’s character development. The immense expectation for him to inherit Captain America’s legacy, originating from Steve Rogers’s belief in him, places an enriching layer of depth to his character. Sam’s journey through the series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier ultimately prepares him for taking on the role in Captain America: Brave New World.

Super soldiers have played a crucial role throughout the MCU’s evolution. They embody both the potential for greatness when wielded by the right person, as demonstrated by Steve Rogers, and the dangers of power when misused. Although their prominence seemed to wane post-Avengers: Endgame, the revival of super soldiers in Thunderbolts* and Captain America: Brave New World has the potential to reaffirm their formidable legacy in the Marvel universe.

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