The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been shifting its power dynamics for years, but one change still has fans talking—Sam Wilson leading the Avengers. With Captain America: Brave New World hitting theaters this Friday, the debate over his place as Earth’s mightiest leader is more alive than ever.
Director Julius Onah Confirms Sam Wilson’s Leadership Role
Julius Onah, the director of Captain America: Brave New World, made it clear in a recent interview that Sam Wilson isn’t just wearing the shield—he’s leading the charge. Speaking to Collider’s Garrett Blaney, Onah reaffirmed Sam’s position as the new Captain America and the head of the Avengers moving forward.
“All I’ll say is, right now, my heart and soul is in this film,” Onah stated. “But I think this is a movie that cements Captain America and Sam Wilson as our new Captain America, as a leader of the Avengers going forward. So I’m just really excited about getting this out in the world.”
It’s the most direct confirmation yet that Sam will be taking on a central leadership role in the MCU’s next phase. Yet, despite years of build-up, some fans still aren’t convinced.
The Reddit Debate: Can Sam Wilson Truly Lead the Avengers?
The r/MarvelStudios_Rumours subreddit reignited the long-running discussion over whether Sam Wilson is a worthy successor to Steve Rogers. And, as usual, opinions were divided.
Some fans pointed to Sam’s lack of superpowers as a major issue.
- “Just [because] he wears that suit, there’s more than a handful who could currently take him with little effort,” wrote user St0n3yM33rkat.
- “Tom’s Spider-Man would wreck him before even starting down the actual line of people qualified to lead what is, essentially, and will soon be becoming more of, an army of super powered beings.”
Others felt that his costume was part of the problem.
- “I feel like he needs to wear a Captain America helmet for it to really work,” replied RooMan7223. “With just the goggles, all I see is Falcon with a star on his chest. Plus, since he doesn’t have the serum, he has more reason to need a helmet.”
And then there were those who simply questioned whether Sam was the right pick at all.
- “Bucky was standing right there, and [Steve] chose Sam,” one user pointed out. “He obviously saw something in him, so Sam just needs a chance to prove that.”
This argument has been ongoing since Avengers: Endgame, but with the next chapter about to hit theaters, Marvel is betting big that audiences will finally get on board.
What Sets Sam Apart from Steve?
One of the biggest sticking points for skeptics is that Sam Wilson is not a super soldier. Unlike Steve Rogers, he wasn’t enhanced by the super serum, meaning he fights with skill, strategy, and technology rather than brute strength.
But that might actually be the point.
Steve Rogers wasn’t just Captain America because of his powers—he was chosen because of his heart, his leadership, and his ability to inspire. Sam Wilson, through The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, has already demonstrated those qualities. He doesn’t have to be the strongest fighter in the room; he just has to be the one who can lead them.
Besides, Marvel has long embraced the idea that heroes come in many forms. Tony Stark was a genius, but he wasn’t enhanced. Natasha Romanoff was a skilled assassin, but she didn’t have superpowers. The Avengers have never been just about who’s the strongest—it’s about who can stand for something bigger than themselves.
A New Era for the Avengers Begins
The MCU is in the middle of a reset. With the original Avengers either gone or stepping aside, a new lineup is inevitable. And if Brave New World is meant to cement Sam Wilson as the leader, that means Marvel is committing to a different kind of Captain America.
What does this mean for the team’s future?
- A more tactical, grounded leadership style.
- A shift in power dynamics with characters like Doctor Strange, Thor, and Captain Marvel still active.
- Potential conflicts over who follows Sam’s lead and who doesn’t.
Marvel isn’t just replacing Steve Rogers—they’re redefining what Captain America represents. Whether fans accept that remains to be seen, but Brave New World is about to put it all to the test.
One thing’s for sure: Sam Wilson’s time has come. And this Friday, audiences will finally see what he’s made of.
