The new Captain America is trying to drop hints that Henry Cavill is coming to the MCU as Captain Britain
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is no stranger to surprises, and the latest buzz surrounding Captain America: Brave New World suggests that another seismic shift could be on the horizon. As of February 27, 2025, Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson has officially taken up the mantle of Captain America, following his debut as the shield-bearing hero in the film released earlier this month. Yet, amidst the excitement of Sam’s first solo outing, a tantalizing rumor has emerged: Mackie might be subtly hinting at the arrival of Henry Cavill as Captain Britain in the MCU. This potential casting has fans speculating wildly, blending anticipation with curiosity about how this could reshape the franchise’s future.
Mackie’s journey as the new Captain America has been a focal point for Marvel fans since Steve Rogers, portrayed by Chris Evans, passed the shield to Sam in Avengers: Endgame back in 2019. Brave New World, which hit theaters on February 14, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the MCU, introducing Sam as a grounded, relatable hero grappling with the weight of his new role. The film has been praised for Mackie’s earnest portrayal, even as critics note its struggles with a convoluted plot and the challenge of establishing Sam as a commanding presence akin to his predecessor. However, what’s caught the attention of eagle-eyed fans are the subtle nods and offhand comments Mackie has made during the film’s press tour, suggesting that a familiar face from another superhero universe might soon join the MCU.
Henry Cavill, best known for his role as Superman in the DC Extended Universe, has long been a fan-favorite pick for various Marvel characters since his departure from the DCU was confirmed in late 2022. His brief but memorable cameo as “The Cavillrine,” a Wolverine variant, in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine only intensified speculation about his future with Marvel. Now, whispers from industry insiders and Mackie’s own cryptic remarks have pointed toward Cavill potentially stepping into the role of Brian Braddock, aka Captain Britain—a character who has yet to make his live-action debut in the MCU. During a recent interview with Variety, Mackie was asked about the possibility of new heroes joining the fray in future Avengers films. His response—“You never know who might show up. Maybe someone from across the pond with a fancy accent”—has sparked a flurry of excitement, with many interpreting it as a wink toward Cavill, a British actor whose name has been tied to Captain Britain for years.
The idea of Captain Britain entering the MCU isn’t entirely new. Created by Chris Claremont and Herb Trimpe in 1976 for Marvel UK, Brian Braddock is a British counterpart to Captain America, endowed with superhuman strength, flight, and reflexes by the mystical forces of Merlyn and Roma. Over the years, fans have clamored for his inclusion, especially as the MCU has expanded its multiversal scope with projects like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Loki. Cavill himself has fueled the speculation, admitting in a 2021 Hollywood Reporter interview that he’d love to take on the role, saying, “I’ve seen the rumors about Captain Britain, and that would be loads of fun to do—a modernized version like they did with Captain America.” With his proven charisma and physicality, Cavill seems tailor-made for the part, and Mackie’s hints could indicate that Marvel is finally ready to bring this long-awaited character to life.
What makes Mackie’s potential foreshadowing even more intriguing is the context of Brave New World. The film introduces elements like Adamantium—a metal tied to Wolverine—and multiversal threats, laying the groundwork for a broader, more interconnected MCU. Some fans theorize that Captain Britain’s debut could tie into these developments, perhaps as a hero pulled from another universe to aid Sam against a looming danger like the Serpent Society or even Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday in 2026. Mackie’s playful demeanor during press junkets, coupled with his comments about “building a new team,” suggests that Sam might not be alone in his fight for long, and Cavill’s Captain Britain could be the first of many new faces.
Of course, nothing is set in stone. Marvel has remained tight-lipped about Cavill’s involvement, and the rumors could simply be wishful thinking amplified by Mackie’s charm and knack for stirring the pot. Posts on X and reports from scoopers like MyTimeToShineHello have claimed Cavill is in talks for a “full role” in the MCU, with Captain Britain as a leading contender, but no official confirmation has surfaced as of this date. Still, the timing feels right. With the MCU in a transitional phase post-Endgame, introducing a character like Captain Britain could inject fresh energy into the franchise, especially with Cavill’s star power and his expressed enthusiasm for the role.
For now, fans are left to dissect every word from Mackie, whose Captain America is proving to be more than just a successor to Steve Rogers—he’s a bridge to the MCU’s next chapter. Whether Cavill dons the Union Jack-emblazoned suit remains to be seen, but the mere possibility has reignited passion among viewers eager for the next big twist. As Brave New World sets the stage for what’s to come, Mackie’s hints—intentional or not—have ensured that the conversation around Captain Britain, and Henry Cavill’s potential MCU debut, will only grow louder in the months ahead.
