Captain America Brave New World, Post Credit Scenes and Cameo Appearances

President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford) undergoes a shocking transformation into a crimson-hued rage monster in Captain America: Brave New World, adding to the growing list of challenges faced by Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), the newest bearer of the Captain America mantle in Marvel’s latest blockbuster.

Ross and other global leaders are on the verge of finalizing a significant treaty concerning the discovery of Adamantium, a rare and valuable element extracted from the remains of a Celestial trapped in the Indian Ocean (as seen in Eternals).

However, international stability is abruptly shattered during a White House summit when Sam’s trusted ally, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), along with Secret Service agents and military personnel, fall victim to mind control, turning them into unwilling assassins targeting the president.

Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie, right) and his ally Joaquin Torres, now the new Falcon (Danny Ramirez), find themselves entangled in an intense political conspiracy in the thriller Captain America: Brave New World.

The mastermind behind the attack is revealed to be Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), a gamma-mutated scientist responsible for unleashing the Abomination upon Harlem in The Incredible Hulk. Years earlier, Ross—then a general—had Sterns imprisoned in a classified military facility after his arrest.

Now sporting an enlarged, misshapen head, green skin, and an intellect vastly enhanced by gamma exposure, Sterns was later enlisted by Ross to aid his presidential campaign using his predictive genius.

However, when Ross reneged on his promise of a pardon, Sterns escaped after being discovered by Sam. Seeking retribution, he devises a scheme to dismantle Ross’ legacy by igniting a conflict between the United States and Japan over Adamantium.

What Happens at the End of Captain America: Brave New World?

After Captain America thwarts Sterns’ attempt to incite World War III, the villain enacts a contingency plan: Ross, who has been battling heart failure, has unknowingly been taking medication secretly laced with gamma radiation by Sterns—preparing his body for an inevitable transformation into the Hulk.

Sterns turns himself over to military authorities but has one final trick up his sleeve. During a presidential news conference in the White House Rose Garden, evidence surfaces that he and Ross had been covertly working together. Enraged by the revelation, Ross succumbs to his latent gamma mutation, triggering his monstrous transformation.

Cap arrives just in time for a brutal showdown that devastates the White House and a significant portion of Washington, D.C. Despite being severely outmatched, Sam manages to talk Red Hulk into surrendering rather than fighting to the bitter end.

In the aftermath, Ross resigns from office and is sentenced to serve time in the Raft—the same high-security prison where he had once incarcerated Sam and other heroes during Captain America: Civil War.

Does the Film Feature Any Notable Cameos?

Sebastian Stan reprises his role as Bucky Barnes in Marvel’s upcoming Thunderbolts but makes an early appearance in Captain America: Brave New World.

Bucky, also known as the Winter Soldier, plays a pivotal role in the film, stepping in to support Sam during a moment of doubt after Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) is critically injured.

Grappling with uncertainty, Sam questions whether he should have taken the same super-soldier serum that enhanced Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Bucky himself. However, Bucky reassures him that Steve chose Sam as Captain America not because he was the strongest, but because of who he is.

Before departing, Bucky catches the eye of Sam’s ally Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas), who expresses romantic interest in him. When Sam remarks, “He’s 110 years old,” she playfully responds, “I can work with that.”

Is There an End-Credit Scene in Captain America: Brave New World?

Unlike most Marvel films, which typically feature two post-credit scenes, this installment only includes one, positioned at the very end.

Following his capture, Sterns now finds himself imprisoned in the Raft alongside Ross. Sam pays him a visit, but when Sterns tries to lighten the mood, Sam is in no mood for humor.

“You killed a lot of good men trying to get your revenge,” Sam states. Sterns, however, remains unfazed, replying, “Trust me, we don’t share the same sense of humor.”