Marvel fans are no strangers to speculation, especially after post-credit scenes stir the pot. Captain America: Brave New World has dropped one of the most cryptic and intriguing post-credits teases in recent memory. Not only does it set the stage for Avengers: Doomsday, but it also raises eyebrows about Sam Wilson’s unexpected legal battle with the New Avengers.
Could the conflict hinted at by Samuel Sterns, aka The Leader, be about more than multiverse threats? Here’s a breakdown of what it all might mean for the MCU’s evolving story.
Connecting the Dots Between Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and Avengers: Doomsday
As Marvel Studios charges into Phase 6 with Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, fans are actively seeking clues in earlier films. Two Phase 5 titles — Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts — seem especially significant.
While both films are grounded in Earth-based politics and espionage, they surprisingly tease multiversal threats and major team conflict, drawing a clear line toward Avengers: Doomsday. However, a closer inspection of the post-credit scenes reveals a layered and possibly misunderstood warning.
Brave New World’s Post-Credit Scene – What Did The Leader Really Mean?
In the closing moments of Captain America: Brave New World, Samuel Sterns (The Leader) delivers a chilling monologue to Sam Wilson, implying he’s seen what’s coming.
“I’ve read the probabilities… it’s clear. ‘The others’ are coming.”
On the surface, many fans interpreted “the others” as a reference to multiversal invaders — a looming threat that has hung over the MCU since Loki Season 1. But is Sterns really talking about alternate timelines, or is there something more grounded behind his cryptic words?
The Real Conflict: Avengers vs. New Avengers?
Instead of referencing multiverse warfare, Sterns’ message could actually be a warning about an internal conflict among Earth’s heroes. His mention of “the others” might point to a rival Avengers team — namely, the New Avengers, introduced in Thunderbolts‘ post-credit scene.
According to that scene, Bucky Barnes confirms that Sam Wilson is suing the New Avengers over unauthorized use of the Avengers’ name. This unexpected legal move could be the source of tension teased in Brave New World — not a cosmic-level threat, but a battle over legitimacy, leadership, and identity.
Why Is Sam Wilson Suing the New Avengers?
While it may seem like a surprising move, Sam Wilson’s lawsuit could be rooted in deeper concerns. With rising global instability and fractured public trust in heroes, Sam might view the formation of a separate Avengers squad — possibly without proper oversight — as a dangerous step.
It’s not just about a name. It’s about who gets to decide what it means to be an Avenger in a world teetering on chaos.
This legal dispute could fuel major tension heading into Avengers: Doomsday, dividing the heroes not just ideologically, but organizationally.
How This Sets Up Avengers: Doomsday
Marvel appears to be setting the stage for a new kind of Civil War. Instead of ideological splits like we saw in Captain America: Civil War, this time the divide could be about control, leadership, and survival strategy in the face of Doctor Doom’s rise.
Imagine two Avengers teams:
- One led by Sam Wilson, focused on diplomacy and structure.
- One rogue team — the New Avengers — acting independently, possibly more aggressive or pragmatic.
This division might give Doctor Doom the advantage he needs, echoing Thanos’ success in Infinity War when the Avengers were at their weakest due to infighting.
The Leader’s Long Game: Mastermind Behind the Curtain
Though he doesn’t appear to have cosmic-level powers, The Leader’s genius intellect allows him to predict political outcomes with stunning accuracy. His manipulation of global events in Brave New World shows he can be just as dangerous as any alien warlord — without ever lifting a weapon.
It’s possible Sterns orchestrated the conditions leading to the New Avengers’ formation, anticipating the legal battle and coming schism that would leave Earth’s defenders divided.
Final Thoughts: A Brave New Conflict Awaits
The post-credit scene in Captain America: Brave New World may not be a direct warning of multiverse collapse — but rather, a grounded and dangerous ideological rift between heroes. With Thunderbolts fueling the fire and Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, we could be looking at the next great internal war in the MCU.
In this “Brave New World,” unity isn’t just a hope — it’s a strategic necessity. And without it, Doctor Doom may find Earth more vulnerable than ever.