The Marvel Cinematic Universe is steadily expanding and fans have been eagerly anticipating the official reveal of the “new” hero. With the release of the latest movie produced by Nate Moore and directed by Julius Onah,

The latest instalment in the popular superhero universe ultimately reinforces the growing sentiment that the MCU is struggling to justify its own longevity.

The spoiler-free set-up: Mackie’s character, a military veteran, counselor and former “Avengers” sidekick named Sam Wilson, has traded in his Falcon alter-ego (and his deep reservations) to finally accept the Captain America mantle.

Brave New World” is, by official count, the 35th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that began in 2008 with “Iron Man.” It’s also the fifth in the series of interconnected storylines known as MCU’s Phase 5,

Brave New World for this specifically, but it’s another headline that is not terribly positive, though part of a recent trend with this current phase of Marvel movies. While Captain America: Brave New World was still #1 at the box office this weekend with $28.

Danny Ramirez, left, and Anthony Mackie in a scene from Marvel Studios' "Captain America: Brave New World." Marvel Studios-Disney