Get Ready for Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* – Don’t Miss Marvel’s Last MCU Release of 2024

As 2023 comes to a close, Marvel is setting the stage for an exciting year ahead with the launch of season 3 of What If…?. This latest installment has quickly become essential viewing for Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the developments in 2025. Following a challenging 2023 for the franchise, the 2024 MCU lineup marks a key transition, featuring just one major film and a select number of series—but with noteworthy titles such as X-Men ‘97, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Agatha All Along creating quite a buzz. Overall, 2024 sets a solid foundation for the upcoming MCU projects in 2025.

In the first half of 2025, audiences can look forward to two significant MCU films: Captain America: Brave New World on February 14 and Thunderbolts on May 2. Both titles promise the much-anticipated return of Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, who have not graced the MCU since 2021’s The Falcon & The Winter Soldier. While the release of these films is still several months away, fans can keep the excitement alive by tuning into season 3 of What If…?.

Sam Wilson’s Comeback in the MCU Ahead of Captain America: Brave New World

Sam Wilson training with Captain America's shield in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier

Sam Wilson in a dark room in Captain America: Brave New World

Sam Wilson giving his first speech as Captain America

Sam Wilson spreading his wings in Captain America: Brave New World

Fans can mark December 22 on their calendars for the premiere of the first episode of What If…? season 3, titled “What If…The Hulk Fought The Mech Avengers?” This animated series is known for its creative storytelling, introducing scenarios such as Bruce Banner battling fellow heroes following a failed attempt to cure his Hulk persona. In a twist, Sam Wilson’s Captain America will don a mech suit to confront the Hulk, with support from various Avengers.

Despite being an animated narrative outside the core MCU continuity, this represents Sam’s first reappearance in the MCU since The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, which aired four years ago. The upcoming year promises to be pivotal, as he prepares to star in his inaugural solo feature while also stepping into the iconic Captain America role previously held by Steve Rogers. Ending the year with Sam Wilson’s character on screen is an excellent way to build anticipation for his future appearance in Captain America: Brave New World.

Bucky Barnes Joins Forces with Red Guardian Before Thunderbolts

Bucky Barnes aiming his gun in Thunderbolts

Bucky Barnes putting his arm on in Thunderbolts

Bucky Barnes in Congress in Thunderbolts

Bucky Barnes watching Valentina in Thunderbolts

Continuing the trend, Bucky Barnes will also return to the MCU in 2024. He is set to appear in the third episode of What If…? titled “What If… The Red Guardian Stopped The Winter Soldier?” alongside his fellow Thunderbolts teammate, Alexei Shostakov. The plot revolves around Red Guardian attempting to impress his superiors in the Red Room, inadvertently leading to a confrontation with the Winter Soldier. This sets the stage for an unlikely alliance between these two super soldiers as they hatch plans to escape America.

While What If…? presents a parallel timeline distinct from the main MCU narrative, the collaboration between the Winter Soldier and Red Guardian serves as an exciting precursor to their future team-up in Thunderbolts. The episode is designed to give fans a glimpse into the chemistry between Bucky and Alexei, enhancing anticipation for their live-action reunion set for next May. This latest season of What If…? is strategically positioned to fan the flames of excitement for both characters and their upcoming endeavors in 2025.

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