**Giancarlo Esposito Teases His MCU Debut in Captain America: Brave New World**
Weeks after hinting at his imminent entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Emmy nominee Giancarlo Esposito has confirmed his role in the upcoming film “Captain America: Brave New World.” The movie is set to hit theaters on February 14, 2025.
Esposito first revealed his involvement in a Marvel project during a panel at CCXP in Brazil earlier this month. During the event, he addressed fan speculation about him playing Professor X in the anticipated MCU version of “X-Men.” “There’s something about being original. We’ve seen different versions of Professor X,” Esposito told the crowd. “Wouldn’t you like to see me play a character in a Marvel movie who is original, and new, and fresh? So, mark my words: This will happen sooner than you think.”
While Esposito’s specific role in “Brave New World” remains under wraps, it has been described as villainous. The film is currently undergoing additional photography ahead of its release.
Anthony Mackie will reprise his role as Sam Wilson, now the newly-minted Captain America. An action-packed first look at the film debuted during Disney’s presentation at CinemaCon in April. Marvel chief Kevin Feige likened the film to 2014’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” describing it as “another fast-paced, relatively grounded action thriller.” The footage features Wilson saving Harrison Ford’s Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, now the President of the United States, from a group of brainwashed assassins.
Directed by Julius Onah, the film also stars Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Rosa Salazar. Initially slated for a July 26, 2024 release, the film was pushed back to Valentine’s Day 2025 following the conclusion of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Principal photography wrapped before the strike, but Marvel Studios added screenwriter Matthew Orton in December to write additional pages ahead of reshoots planned for the spring. Esposito is expected to play a significant part in these scenes.
Esposito is best known for his fierce performances in dramas like “Breaking Bad” and its prequel series “Better Call Saul,” where his portrayal of Gus Fring earned him three Emmy nominations. He has also made a name for himself in genre entertainment, earning two more Emmy nods for his role as the Darksaber-wielding antagonist Moff Gideon in the “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian.” Additionally, he has played nefarious former Vought CEO Stan Edgar in “The Boys” and voiced Lex Luthor in DC’s “Harley Quinn” series on Max.
Esposito will next be seen in A24’s “MaXXXine” and Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” which debuted earlier this month in Cannes. He is represented by CAA, manager Josh Kesselman, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
Just days ago, Esposito began teasing his Marvel Cinematic Universe role, stating, “The MCU has knocked on my door and it’s a role you won’t predict. It will be teased and there will be a series afterwards.” This statement has fueled speculation about his character in “Brave New World.”
The film marks the first solo movie for Anthony Mackie as the patriotic superhero. The plot will see Captain America coming to the rescue of General Thunderbolt Ross, who has been elected President of the United States, from a group of brainwashed assassins. It’s widely expected that this will lead to Ross becoming the Red Hulk, as he does in the comics. Other Hulk connections include Liv Tyler as Betty Ross and Tim Blake Nelson as the villain The Leader, both seen in 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk.”
Esposito’s role is still unclear, but by the way he described it, he could be playing a brand new character or one who has never appeared on the big screen. He joins a cast that also includes Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Rosa Salazar, Xosha Roquemore, and WWE superstar Seth Rollins. The film is directed by Julius Onah.
As fans eagerly await more details about Esposito’s character, several possibilities have been floated. One potential character is Blue Marvel, an army veteran turned superhuman who fits Esposito’s penchant for playing antiheroes. Another possibility is Dr. Doom, a maniacal genius who could make Thanos seem reasonable. Esposito has also been linked to Henry Gyrich, a government official who ensures The Avengers follow necessary protocols, and Kang The Conqueror, a multiverse-threatening villain. Lastly, Raul Bushman, a mercenary and constant foe for Moon Knight, has also been suggested.
Regardless of which character Esposito ends up portraying, his addition to the MCU is highly anticipated. His track record of delivering compelling performances in both drama and genre entertainment makes him a valuable asset to the Marvel universe.
“Captain America: Brave New World” is set to be a thrilling addition to the MCU, and with Esposito on board, fans can expect a memorable and impactful performance.
Source: Variety
