'Who's Playing Who?': I Thought I Knew The Villain Of Captain America 4, But This Brave New World Clip Has Me Questioning Everything

A mysterious gunman (Giancarlo Esposito) loads up in Captain America: Brave New World
(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

In the world of political intrigue and clandestine service, nothing is more dangerous than not knowing who the enemy is. As we get closer to Captain America: Brave New World’s debut as a 2025 movie, that’s something that’s stuck out in my mind after watching some new footage.

Admittedly, not knowing who to trust is natural in a post-Winter Soldier world. And yet even with that in mind, Anthony Mackie’s big screen debut in this upcoming Marvel movie seems to be promising some earthshaking developments.

Captain America: Brave New World's New Look Doubles Down On A White House Mole

If I hadn’t already purchased tickets for the opening night of Brave New World, the new tease Marvel Studios dropped on social media would have sent me straight to the virtual box office. While a lot of moments we’ve seen in previous teases are included, the product you see below has kicked my mind into overdrive:

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Is anyone else having flashbacks to Captain America: The Winter Soldier’s gigantic plot twist involving HYDRA’s sleeper cell? Let’s not forget, this is a world where watching the Marvel movies in order has taught us that the folks in charge aren’t always what they seem.

As Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson has notified his boss, President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), that his “inner circle has been compromised,” it appears we’re on a new mole hunt - and this one goes straight to the Oval Office. With that in mind, let’s talk about how Captain America: Brave New World’s latest tease may have shown us two new suspects to keep an eye on.

Shira Haas sits cryptically at a dimly lit event in Captain America: Brave New World.

(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Captain America 4’s Latest Video May Have Highlighted Two New Threats

Going into Captain America 4, the seemingly obvious baddies looked to be Giancarlo Esposito’s Seth “Sidewinder” Voelker and Tim Blake Nelson’s returning Samuel Stearns, aka “The Leader.” Now the obvious mutation in the room is that Stearns might have some beef with Ross, thanks to his role in The Incredible Hulk’s events potentially leaving the transformed man of science as a foe waiting to be realized.

That being said, it’s Tim Blake Nelson’s voice that delivers the cryptic question, “Who’s playing who?” Also, if Giancarlo Esposito's Brave New World costume comments are anything to go by, he's probably not the lead antagonist at play.

After rewatching this Brave New World ad with that in mind, I think that we should be paying more attention to Captain America 4 cast members Shira Haas and Xosha Roquemore. Throughout this quick hit of cryptic adrenaline, we see brief appearances of Haas' retired Black Widow Ruth Bat-Seraph and Roquemore's Secret Service agent Leila Taylor.

If that was all I had, I wouldn't try to go too deep into the weeds with my suspicions. That led to some quick research leading to a recent trailer for Captain America: Brave New World, which I'm going to include below. Try and keep an eye on where our two new suspects pop up:

Captain America: Brave New World | Get Tickets Now - YouTube Captain America: Brave New World | Get Tickets Now - YouTube
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As both Ruth Bat-Seraph and Leila Taylor have “inner circle” access to President Ross, and it wouldn't be all that surprising for them to potentially use this status to act for either their own interests, or a shadowy third party. And as seen above, both characters are present at some pretty key moments in the story.

Actor Shira Haas is present not only at Ross' attempted assassination, but also when Sam Wilson delivers his "inner circle" line. That doesn't clear co-star though Xosha Roquemore, as she's right next to the President during his big White House hulk out.

Harrison Ford in Captain America: Brave New World

(Image credit: Disney / Marvel)

In the light of this new MCU conspiracy theory, Brave New World's supposedly short runtime looks a lot better. To tackle this thread of intrigue, while packing tons of action into Sam Wilson's cinematic arrival as Captain America, is a tightrope act that could get complicated.

Looking at what's in front of us right now, I can say that this is as lovely as Captain America 4's brave new popcorn bucket. And it won't be too long before we can all make a date with the new Star Spangled Man, thanks to Captain America: Brave New World's Valentine's Day debut. Just make sure you can trust whomever you take as your +1, as one can never be too careful.

Mike Reyes
Senior Movies Contributor

Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.