Why Captain America: Brave New World Fails the Young Avengers Fans!

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Summary

  • MCU hints at Young Avengers introduction, set up through various teen heroes’ appearances.
  • Absence of Eli Bradley/Patriot in “Captain America: Brave New World” breaks MCU Young Avengers trend.
  • Lack of Eli’s presence raises questions regarding his role and significance in the future of the MCU.

Were you under the impression that you were the sole young superhero on this planet?” This question, posed by Kamala Khan to Kate Bishop at the end of The Marvels, was not just a witty reference to Nick Fury’s inquiry during the post-credit scene of Iron Man. It also signaled the imminent arrival of the Young Avengers in the MCU. The introduction of teenage heroes in various MCU productions suggested that the formation of a team was practically unavoidable.

Regardless of the trend favoring younger superheroes, Marvel failed to carry on the Young Avengers storyline in its recent release, “Captain America: Brave New World”. This choice may not come as a shock to some, given that the “Captain America” film also addressed plot points from “The Incredible Hulk” and “Eternals”, leaving minimal space for introducing future events.

Despite the fact that one prominent character from “Brave New World” shares a significant link with an original member of the “Young Avengers“, this connection is not acknowledged in the film adaptation.

Who are the Young Avengers?

Initiated by Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung, the Young Avengers first appeared in their own comic book back in 2005, a time when Earth’s top superheroes, the Avengers, were no more. The Avengers had dissolved following an assault by their comrade, the Scarlet Witch, which left the world bereft of its foremost protectors. In their absence, Iron Lad formed a team composed of adolescents who resembled the original Avengers: the flag-bearing Patriot, the Hulkling with green skin, and the Asgardian wielding thunder, among others. These youngsters named themselves the Young Avengers.

Immediately after the team assembled, it underwent transformation and growth. It was disclosed that Iron Lad was none other than a youthful incarnation of the time-jumping antagonist Kang the Conqueror, who had traveled to the present in order to establish a defense against his future self. Meanwhile, Asgardian discovered he was the son of the Scarlet Witch, adopted the moniker Wiccan, and convinced his brother Speed, known as Tommy, to join him. Other newcomers included Kate Bishop, who took on the role of Hawkeye, Ant-Man’s daughter Stature in her oversized form, and even a young version of the Vision.

Much like Wiccan and Stature, Patriot traced his roots back to a distinguished lineage of superheroes. Eli Bradley was not just any ordinary individual; he was the grandson of the original Captain America, Isaiah Bradley. To emulate the abilities his grandfather gained through the Super Soldier Serum, albeit illegally using Mutant Growth Hormone, Patriot aspired to continue where Isaiah left off, upholding the noble legacy that preceded him.

In time, Eli departs from the team, concluding that being a superhero doesn’t suit him. Instead, Rayshaun Lucas assumes the Patriot role. Despite leaving the team, Eli maintains friendships with his former teammates, even attending the wedding of Wiccan and Hulkling.

Who is Patriot in the MCU?

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Patriot hasn’t appeared yet, but viewers have come across Eli Bradley. During the 2021 Disney+ series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” Bucky Barnes takes Sam Wilson to meet Isaiah Bradley. Previously engaged in combat with Isaiah while under his Winter Soldier identity, Bucky hoped this encounter would alleviate his confusion about assuming the role of Captain America.

To encounter Isaiah, one has to initially deal with his grandson Eli, played by Elijah Richardson. Despite giving access to the heroes to enter Isaiah’s home, Eli remains present and guides them out of the house whenever Isaiah becomes agitated.

In a handful of scenes, viewers can gather insights into Eli’s personality. He’s shown to be fiercely devoted and protective towards his grandfather. He doesn’t shy away from defending his convictions, even when they contradict esteemed superheroes such as Sam and Bucky. However, he doesn’t actively seek out conflicts; instead, he attempts to appeal to their noble qualities rather than engage in fights with them.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but reflect on those crucial moments in the film that could have prepared Eli for his future role as Patriot. Alas, Eli seems conspicuously absent in Brave New World.

In the narrative of Brave New World, the emotional journey revolves around the character of Isaiah and his connection with the U.S. administration. In an effort to reconcile with Sam and secure the new Captain America’s allegiance, President Ross extends an invitation to Isaiah to the White House as a peace offering. However, Isaiah unwittingly falls prey to a manipulation scheme, narrowly avoiding assassinating Ross. This near-fatal incident compels Isaiah to confront his deepest fear – the possibility of returning to prison.

As Sam and Joaquin Torres delve into unmasking the manipulator behind Isaiah, the film consistently keeps tabs on Bradley. However, neither Eli nor his presence are ever mentioned or shown within the narrative. This could lead viewers unfamiliar with “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” to complete “Brave New World” without realizing that Isaiah Bradley has a grandson, let alone that this grandson is part of Marvel’s upcoming superteam.

Which Young Avengers Are in the MCU?

In the novel “Brave New World“, Eli’s absence is strikingly noticeable compared to all the new characters who have been presented. For instance, Kate Bishop first appeared in the Disney+ series “Hawkeye” and made a brief appearance in “The Marvels“. Cassie Lang, who has consistently been part of the “Ant-Man” series, displayed her abilities as Stature in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania“. Furthermore, America Chavez with her reality-jumping powers joined Doctor Strange in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness“, and Kid Loki emerged in “Loki“.

More recently, founding member Wiccian played a significant part in the series “Agatha All Along”. By the conclusion of this series, the character Billy Kaplan accepted his link to Wanda Maximoff, developed his magical abilities, and even hinted at his brother Tommy, who is expected to take on a Quicksilver-like speed, and a boyfriend named Eddy, who could potentially be the Hulkling Teddy.

In contrast to how Kamala Khan typically hangs out with the X-Men and another adolescent group, the Challengers (which also features Miles Morales), it’s evident that in The Marvels, she is being set up as a prospective member of the Young Avengers.

From my perspective as a movie critic, it seems that Marvel is gradually laying the groundwork for the Young Avengers by introducing their members across different productions. However, Captain America: Brave New World chooses not to delve deeper into the formation of this team. This decision raises questions about whether this film may lose relevance in the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) narrative. On the other hand, Eli’s character might have a chance to shine more brightly in the next installment, when he finally dons the Patriot suit. Only time will reveal the answers.

Captain America: Brave New World is now playing in theaters.

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2025-02-19 23:34