Captain America: New World Order offered massive casting surprises during the D23 Expo. One of the biggest shake-ups was the return of Tim Blake Nelson as The Leader, the film's main villain. However, that wasn't the only thread that would get pulled from the Marvel Cinematic Universe's past. Carl Lumbly was also confirmed to return as Isaiah Bradley following his debut in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. But his return could take Captain America's history even further.
In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson was introduced to Isaiah Bradley, a man who had also become a super soldier but got treated far more harshly than Steve Rogers. Even though he saved lives and took on the Winter Soldier, his legacy got swept under the rug for decades. But now that Sam has taken the shield, he ensured that his legacy would be remembered, sparking a fire in the long-forgotten patriot once again.
The MCU's Isaiah Bradley Could Be Explored in Captain America 4
Isaiah's role in Captain America: New World Order wasn't explained when it was announced he would return. That said, aspects of his history and next steps could still be explored. For starters, Isaiah could be Sam's mentor. With Steve gone, there are even fewer super-soldiers he could turn to anyway. That said, Sam could also return the favor by showing him how many people care about his efforts now that they've been made aware of what he sacrificed. Essentially, they could form a powerful bond, and Isaiah could be a new father figure for Sam.
Audiences could also have an opportunity to see Isaiah in his prime thanks to flashbacks that allow fans to see how his iteration of Captain America operated. Whether it be flashbacks to movements, he would teach Sam or even an extended scene to see what he had done in the MCU. Nevertheless, Isaiah's efforts could be shown in the best way possible.
Isaiah Bradley's Return Also Means the Return of Eli Bradley
While Isaiah's return to the MCU offers another chance to look at the past, there's an even greater opportunity to look toward the future. In this case, that could come in the form of Eli Bradley, Isaiah's grandson. He first appeared in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but his comic counterpart was the superhero Patriot and a founding member of the Young Avengers. While the team itself hasn't been confirmed, Captain America: New World Order could kickstart his origin or show how it could play out.
Whether he finds a new super-soldier Serum or is a victim in The Leader's experiments, there's a strong possibility that Eli's life could change greatly before the credits role. If so, it would take care of one of the most important members of the Young Avengers and further fuel speculation about their formation. But, more importantly, it would also give fans a better look at who Eli is as a person and the type of her he wants to be, for better or worse. As of now, there's still much that's not known about Captain America: New World Order. However, whatever comes will likely be huge for Captain America's history and legacy.
To see Isaiah Bradley's return, Captain America: New World Order hits theaters May 3, 2024.