Move over, vibranium. There’s a new strongest element in the MCU: adamantium. Or at least a more indestructible one, according to President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). Adamantium is the primary focus in new Captain America: Brave New World promos, and they make it clear just how crucial the substance will be in the movie (and presumably moving forward with the MCU).
Where Does Adamantium Come From in the MCU?
Remember, Eternals? If not, now’s the time to (re)watch it. Because we have adamantium in the MCU only because of the Eternals. Well, because the Eternals who were fighting for humanity anyway.
In the MCU, adamantium is found at the corpse of Tiamut the Celestial. The substance was previously nonexistent in the MCU but has been seen in other non-Marvel Studios projects, like the Fox X-Men films where it was a manmade alloy (Wolverine, anyone?). However, the MCU is clearly taking a different direction on the substance. It’s a component of a once-living alien organism and classified as an element.
Learning how adamantium’s discovery came to be will be interesting. But, from the looks that Marvel has released so far, expect Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Joaquín Torres (Danny Ramirez) to be at the scene. Not many of the promotional videos Marvel has shared so far include much content featuring the newest Falcon. The adamantium-focused promos, however, tease that the two will be addressing the situation.
How Important Will Adamantium Be in Captain America: Brave New World?
When Ross describes adamantium in Captain America: Brave New World, he calls it “the discovery of the millennium.” The statement is bold with huge implications, but it’s worth considering the perspective. Is Ross quoting or paraphrasing a scientist who has studied adamantium? And/or is Ross speaking to his own view of adamantium? It’s unclear. However, the promos make it obvious that Ross desperately wants the element.
Channeling his inner Hulk without actually Hulking out, Ross is seen in the one video furiously saying, “If anyone is going to get it first, it’s going to be us.” In another, the statement is slightly different. Instead, Ross says, “If only one country is going to control it, it’s going to be us.” Regardless of which version makes the final cut, adamantium is highlighted as a crucial part of the narrative and a driving force for Ross’s actions.
What’s even more telling is how “adamantium could tip the global balance of power.” This line further establishes Ross’s motives for going after adamantium. It would give the U.S. the chance to effectively establish and maintain itself as a world leader and powerhouse. But that’s the case for any country that gets ahold of it.
What Will Adamantium Be Used for in the MCU?
One of the videos shows a hologram that classifies adamantium as “the most versatile element.” We don’t know much about what the material can do in the MCU yet, so the extent of this versatility remains to be seen. But vibranium can be a great point of reference.
Not naturally occurring on Earth, vibranium was the superior element beforehand. Best known as the material used to make Captain America’s shields, Wakanda is proof of how its use goes way beyond battle gear. So if vibranium can be used for all of that, just imagine the possibilities with the similar but more versatile adamantium.
Wanting to use adamantium for military and weaponry purposes seems rather obvious. But using the element in such a manner wouldn’t be a Captain America thing to do. Sam is Captain America because he’s a good person who wants to help others and fight for what’s right, not to have power. So it makes sense that Sam would do what he can to help safeguard it.
In one of the videos, Sam voices his concern for adamantium’s potential, stating “We can’t let it end up in the wrong hands.” The wrong hands could be as simple as countries with nefarious intentions or ambitious individuals. Could this be how Samuel Sterns/the Leader (Tim Blake Nelson) or Seth Voelker/Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent Society (Giancarlo Esposito) into the story? Considering the possible implications, it’s easy to see how imperative adamantium is in Captain America: Brave New World.
Watch the full Captain America: Brave New World promos about adamantium:
Captain America: Brave New World is in theaters on February 14.
