Director Reveals Shocking Cameos and Reshoots in 'Captain America: Brave New World'

⚠️Caution: This narrative delves into key events from the movie “Captain America: Brave New World,” now showing in cinemas.

When director Julius Onah phoned EbMaster on February 13th, he was in New York City, moving between promotional engagements for his Marvel Studios movie “Captain America: Brave New World.” The previous day had been a busy one with numerous press events scheduled in Washington D.C., which served as the film’s backdrop for the confrontation between the new Captain America, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), and the new U.S. president, Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford). Just a day prior to that, Onah had been present at the world premiere of the film in Los Angeles, where towering statues of Wilson and Ross’ red-hued alter ego, Red Hulk, faced off menacingly outside the TCL Chinese Theater.

Over the past few days, the 42-year-old movie director had quite a busy time after spending three grueling years working on the movie. This was marked by additional filming in 2024, which replaced some scenes with fresh ones starring Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder, head of the mercenary group known as the Serpent Society. Interestingly, Onah stated that these reshoots were part of the original plan. However, Disney moved the film’s release from July 2024 to February 2025.

The director has stood up for Ford, countering claims made by an unidentified team member from “Brave New World,” who spoke through Vulture, that the actor displayed diva-like behavior and disliked the motion capture process while portraying Red Hulk on set.

Regarding any rumors or discussions happening behind closed doors, I can’t comment on those,” Onah clarified. “However, I can share my personal experience with Harrison. He was nothing short of a consummate professional. His dedication and enthusiasm for the project were truly inspiring. Our creative exchanges, though intense at times, were always geared towards producing the finest version of our film. I believe he delivered an outstanding performance in the movie. It was a privilege to work alongside him, and I walked away having learned so much from him. The entire cast holds nothing but admiration and esteem for him, as does the crew. That’s my take on the making of this film, and it’s the truth about our on-set dynamic.

In the new movie, Ford takes over the role of “Thunderbolt” Ross, which was initially played by William Hurt in 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk.” This film is frequently mentioned in “Brave New World,” as Sam investigates why his mentor, super soldier Isaiah Bradley (played by Carl Lumbly), tried to assassinate Ross at a White House summit. Director Onah explained the significance of referencing one of Marvel Studios’ earliest movies, including a brief appearance by Liv Tyler as Ross’s daughter, Betty. He also discussed the unexpected return of Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, the introduction of adamantium to the Marvel Universe, why the film doesn’t feature Ross’ vice president, and the original scenes that were replaced during reshoots with Esposito.

This movie references several past Marvel projects, especially “The Incredible Hulk,” which came out 17 years ago. What were the discussions like about how you much you wanted to call back to that movie?

In essence, there were crucial scenes that served to advance the narrative. A significant aspect of this film revolves around the concept of transformation, thus it was essential to remind the audience about Ross’s character as “Thunderbolt” Ross, a man known for his outbursts and strained relationship with his daughter Betty Ross. However, what made it impactful for me was the movie primarily followed Sam Wilson’s quest to unravel the mystery behind who could be controlling Isaiah Bradley to attempt an assassination on President Ross.

From Sam’s perspective, the investigation becomes similar to unearthing details from “The Incredible Hulk” film. This exploration then presents Sam with a predicament: filtering through this investigation while utilizing his extraordinary ability of empathy. Moreover, it tests him on whether he can surpass his own biases when dealing with Thaddeus Ross.

Was the scene with Bucky, who was partnered with Sam in the 2021 Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” always in the script?

The scene referencing Sam’s past in the MCU was inevitable, and there were multiple variations of it. From the initial draft I worked on, Bucky has consistently been included, though he appeared in various roles throughout the film. The challenge was to find the most engaging and unexpected way to present him. At times, he was featured at the start of the movie, while at others, his appearance was saved for the very end. However, the scene eventually evolved into a delightful surprise and a poignant moment that propels Sam’s narrative forward. I believe we achieved a balance that is both entertaining, thrilling, and emotionally resonant.

Who came up with the idea that Bucky is running for Congress?

[Chuckles] You know, I don’t have all the details about what’s happening in the MCU, but I can tell you that Bucky is connected to the “Thunderbolts” movie. The Marvel Cinematic Universe often takes established characters and gives them a fresh twist, and that’s exactly what they’re doing with Bucky. His character has been evolving, trying to break free from the mold of a Hydra-controlled assassin, and this new role seems to be an exciting, unpredictable path for him. So, it looks like they’ve found a fun, surprising way to take Bucky on an unexpected journey.

I presume he’s running to represent a district in New York City?

I would say maybe that’s a safe presumption.

It sounds like you discussed bringing other people from Sam’s past back, like Rhodey or Sharon Carter?

It’s always delightful to ponder over the assortment of intriguing characters I’ve had the chance to cross paths with, even the likes of Ant-Man. There’s an amusing backstory between us, and a distinct moment in the initial “Ant-Man” movie that I found particularly enjoyable. Regrettably, Paul [Rudd] didn’t make it into the film. However, I penned a witty line for a scene near the end that served as a humorous nod to our history. At times, it’s a visual cameo, and at other instances, there are subtle ways my character can remark something that carries significant meaning.

How did the depiction of Celestial Island from “Eternals” evolve in the script?

In every version of this tale, the enigmatic Island in the Skies had its place, serving as an engaging means to delve into the far-reaching geopolitical implications sparked by a monstrous space alien emerging from the Indian Ocean. Our objective was to ensure it didn’t overshadow or overpower the film but instead seemed natural and fitting. Thus, Sam’s inquiry eventually leads us there.

How did adamantium get introduced into this movie?

It’s clear that characters from the X-Men universe are now being introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). For instance, we recently saw this with “Deadpool and Wolverine.” However, adamantium, a key material in the original Wolverine storyline, hasn’t appeared yet within the MCU. With Captain America movies providing a solid foundation for universe-building, many fans are speculating about how exciting and unexpected it could be to use adamantium as a tool for global politics — rather than just sticking to the traditional representation we’re familiar with from Wolverine.

Did you ever think about going onto the island itself?

In our creative process, we experimented with different ideas, but it’s crucial not to overload a movie with unnecessary elements that don’t significantly contribute to the plot as intended. However, the final destination of the film needed to circle back to DC, where our characters, Sam and the Winter Soldier, were initially introduced. Here, we find ourselves in present-day Washington D.C., now under President Ross’s rule, and not far from Baltimore, where Isaiah’s narrative unfolded. This conclusion seemed to me like the most emotionally resonant and thematically fitting choice.

How did you talk with Harrison Ford about his panic attack scenes? He really threw himself into it.

Harrison shows an incredible dedication. I visited his home during the initial stages, where we had extensive discussions about Thaddeus Ross potentially reverting to his old self. In the movie’s opening, we see him as a wise and mellow character. But as his plans for a fair adamantium distribution treaty keep failing, you can sense his former temper and anger resurfacing. It was important for him to lose control. We discussed what the physical manifestation of this rage would be, how it would radiate. What’s impressive about Harrison is that he not only prepares for these scenes but also finds the authentic reactions in the moment when filming. So it was a mix of preparation and trust – of course, how could you not trust Harrison Ford?

Was there ever a version of the story where Ross dies?

There have been numerous variations of the storyline. Although he didn’t meet an explicit demise in any version, there were scenarios where his final outcome after the movie’s ending was left uncertain to the audience. However, given how beloved this character is (the Hulk), it’s quite challenging for him to be killed off.

Did you ever talk about revealing who the vice president is, so we know who succeeds Ross?

Occasionally, such dialogues occur. However, when narrating a tale like this one, it’s best not to overwhelm the audience with 900 characters at once. There were just so many intertwined plot points that maintaining the focus on the relationship between Sam as Captain America and Thaddeus Ross as our president seemed crucial. In the end, we chose not to explore that aspect further because it didn’t significantly impact the emotional or thematic development of this story.

Do you know who the vice president is? Was that officially decided?

[Chuckles] Let’s find out where it leads us in the intriguing world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we continue our journey.

Was Betty Ross always going to show up at the very end?

Just like Bucky, the character development process offers various methods for their introduction. Initially, there were scenes where she appeared earlier in the movie, but it was crucial to me that she made her entrance at the end of the film. This is because it’s essential to consider Ross’s situation. His deep yearning to reconnect with his daughter is palpable, and keeping her absent from the story, having her be a subtle presence throughout the movie, would intensify this longing, making it more impactful.

How did Liv Tyler react to being back in the MCU?

Thrilled. For anyone who’s been involved in this realm, there’s always a question of what became of your character. I recall my initial chats with her; she was inquisitive and slightly apprehensive. Each one of them takes such pride in their characters, so it’s crucial to ensure they are portrayed appropriately. And she has a soft spot for Harrison. They discussed the potential paths these characters might have taken over time, and eventually, she joined us and brought an exceptional charm to the film.

How did the design for Samuel Sterns’ appearance evolve? He has a dramatic look in the comics, so how did you iterate that for the film?

In creating your movie, it’s important to maintain a realistic visual approach while still allowing for larger-than-life characters. This means ensuring that the film’s world feels authentic, even with the complexities of your protagonist. His character arc is one marked by a loss of humanity, which gives him a monstrous quality. I wanted to emphasize this aspect so that viewers immediately grasp his motivations and his thirst for revenge.

How did you physically make it real? Was the actor, Tim Blake Nelson, in a lot of makeup? Was some of it CGI?

Initially, our approach was purely functional in nature, which is evident when you consider the applications in prosthetics and makeup. This practical aspect suits Tim perfectly, given his deep involvement in performance. I recall a moment on set where someone actually jumped upon seeing him. In the final film, I wanted to amplify this effect further to create an emotional impact for the audience. To achieve this, we incorporated visual effects subtly, aiming to push the boundaries without becoming overly disturbing.

How did Giancarlo Esposito’s character, Sidewinder, get brought into the film?

In this film, we’ve chosen to maintain an earthy aesthetic and mood, as seen in The Serpent Society. Although these characters have always been a part of the story since I came on board, they are known for their snake-themed costumes and abilities in comics. Some of them can be quite exaggerated, even bordering on cartoonish. While developing them for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we explored both exaggerated and more realistic versions. Ultimately, we discovered that the more realistic version, despite lacking some of the flashy elements found in comics, seemed far more genuine to the movie’s feel.

In our extra photography sessions, which were part of our initial plan, we recognized this as a chance to finesse the portrayal of the Serpent Society within the film. Coincidentally, Giancarlo was available at that time, who happens to be one of my most admired actors. I spent my early career learning under Spike Lee, and “Do the Right Thing” is a film close to my heart as a director; Giancarlo has been an inspiration for me for quite some time. Additionally, he shares a history with Anthony Mackie, and they’ve long desired to collaborate. Moreover, fans have been eagerly anticipating his inclusion in the MCU. What makes Giancarlo ideal for the role is his ability to transform seemingly fantastical elements into something relatable. It felt as if we had found the perfect actor to play Sidewinder, lead the Serpent Society, and introduce them to the MCU.

It sounds like the version of Serpent Society that you originally shot for the movie was more heightened and their powers were more fantastical?

Absolutely, you’re on the right track. It’s crucial to respect both the publishing industry and the fans’ preferences, while also ensuring the movie stays true to itself. I wouldn’t say it was exactly like the comics, but it had a closer resemblance. As our work progressed, it became clear that a more realistic, or “grounded,” tone would be appropriate. To give you an idea, I drew inspiration from films such as “The Day of the Jackal” and “Point Blank,” which are procedural, paranoid, and political thrillers. We decided to make the Serpent Society less fantastical and more realistic, envisioning them as a private military company led by a figure who could be seen as both a CEO and a warlord. This concept started to become increasingly intriguing.

Finally, if you could talk to the version of yourself when you were first starting to work on this movie, what advice would you give to yourself?

I’ve always known this, but it hits home even harder now: ‘Go with the flow.’ The beauty of crafting any film lies in its ability to encourage discovery and surprise. By remaining open to new experiences, you allow yourself to be amazed, which in turn astonishes your audience. Making a movie is like a magical journey, and by embracing the creative process, you uncover fascinating, intriguing, and unexpected gems that might otherwise elude you.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-02-21 19:48

Director Reveals Shocking Cameos and Reshoots in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’