Steve Rogers is out and about in the modern-day Marvel Universe when Captain America: The Winter Soldier rolls into theaters next year. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo confirmed in a new interview that the First Avenger sequel takes place "about a year" after the events of Marvel's The Avengers, "but narratively it's much closer to Avengers 2."

"It sets up a really big shift in the universe for Avengers 2," Joe Russo told CinemaBlend, hinting at the "political thriller" ramifications of the upcoming superhero sequel.

But even if Cap is operating in the current climate of sophisticated technology and computer warfare, there's still room to look to the hero's past. Bucky Barnes' resurrection as the Winter Soldier is one obvious way the film acknowledges Steve's earlier years, of course. But perhaps there's another — perhaps Steve's comrades, the Howling Commandos, have a role to play as well.

The Howling Commandos' costumes were on display last week at Comic-Con International, indicating some kind of role, big or small, for Dum Dum Dugan and friends. However, the Russos were incredibly cagey on the subject.

"That's one of those things where we'd spontaneously combust if we answered," said Joe Russo, with his brother Anthony adding, "But you know, that is a set piece from the movie. So you know speculate on it what you will."

Captain America: The Winter Soldier arrives April 4, 2014.