Captain America in the MCU: Who’s next?

Credit: Marvel Comics

Elijah Bradley (Patriot II)

There have been three Patriots in Marvel Comics. Over the past decade, the highest-profile version has probably been founding member and leader of the Young Avengers, Elijah Bradley. Eli is the grandson of Isaiah Bradly, and African American soldier who was experimented on against his will by the US Government in an attempt to replicate the Super Soldier formula (as told in the 2003 miniseries Truth: Red, White & Black). There was talk of introducing Patriot in 2018’s Black Panther, but as reported by CinemaBlend.com, the idea was scrapped.

Pros:

Handled well making Elijah Captain America would provide a great opportunity for Disney/Marvel to plant their flag on the diverse future films and comics need. It would also be a platform to look at race. Since the MCU has gone back to the 1990s with Captain Marvel, perhaps they’d look at the 1950s and 60s to show what Isaiah’s life was like in post-WWII America. This could also be a way to introduce another recently acquired cast of Marvel characters into the decade they were created, The Fantastic Four.

Cons:

Another young superhero would be a great pal for Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch, but Captain America is an expert combat tactician and leads the Avengers. Elijah’s Cap would have to take a subordinate role, which would be a weird look for America’s Son.