5 Villain Fan Theories About Giancarlo Esposito's Character in Captain America: Brave New World

Split image of Giancarlo Esposito and Reginald Fortean (Earth-616)
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By Louie AnneContributor

Split image of Giancarlo Esposito and Reginald Fortean (Earth-616)
Credit: Credit: Marvel Comics Immortal Hulk #17 Source: https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Reginald_Fortean_(Earth-616)?file=Reginald_Fortean_%28Earth-616%29_from_Immortal_Hulk_Vol_1_17_001.jpg License: fair use for promotional, commentary and news purposes Credit: Genevieve/Wikimedia Wikimedia Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Giancarlo_Esposito_%287612936582%29.jpg License: fair use for promotional, commentary and news purposes

Everyone is discussing the possible characters Giancarlo Esposito will play in his MCU debut. Best known for his compelling performances in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian, Esposito will make his MCU debut in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World.

Captain America: Brave New World promises a fresh take on the Captain America series, introducing various new characters. Esposito’s character has recently been brewing some fan theories among Marvel fans about his role in the film.

Giancarlo Esposito as Jake Fury in Captain America: Brave New World

Zodiac (Great Wheel) (Earth-616) from Secret Warriors Vol 1 25 001
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During a panel at CCXP in Brazil last May, Esposito revealed that he had been cast in a Marvel film, which later turned out to be Brave New World. Although his character is shrouded in secrecy, recent reshoots and leaked set photos have provided more clues to his character.

The photos show Esposito in tactical gear, armed with a set of knives and wearing sunglasses, which fits the profile of Jake Fury, also known as Scorpio. This character, who has yet to appear in any Marvel film, is the younger brother of Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury.

Despite the nine-year age difference between Esposito and Jackson, the dynamic between the brothers could add a fresh twist to the MCU's narrative.

General Reginald Fortean in Captain America: Brave New World

Reginald Fortean (Earth-616) from Immortal Hulk Vol 1 17 001
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While Jake Fury appears to be a strong contender, the Marvel fan community is buzzing with other theories about Esposito's role. One possibility is General Reginald Fortean, a character associated with Thunderbolt Ross, who Harrison Ford will portray.

In the comics, Fortean transforms into a monstrous figure, which could allow Esposito to showcase a different aspect of his acting prowess.

Related: Captain America 4 Star Tim Blake Nelson Addresses The Leader's Return

Raoul Bushman from Moon Knight

Marc Spector (Earth-616), Khonshu (Earth-616). Raul Bushman (Earth-616), Statue of Khonshu
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Another theory points to Raoul Bushman, a brutal mercenary and rival of Moon Knight. Given that Matthew Orton, a writer from the Moon Knight series, has been involved in the reshoots for Captain America: Brave New World, this theory holds some weight. Bushman's background in guerrilla warfare and his ruthless nature would make him a formidable adversary.

Maybe the MCU will Give Paladin a Bigger Role

Giancarlo Esposito at the San Diego Comic Con
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The speculation doesn't stop there. Other guesses include Paladin, a mercenary and occasional antagonist to characters like Daredevil and Captain America. Paladin's involvement in a 1991 Captain America storyline where he disrupts the Serpent Society aligns well with the narrative direction of Captain America: Brave New World.

What if Esposito is Henry Peter Gyrich?

Henry Gyrich (Earth-92131) X-Men: The Animated Series
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There's speculation that Esposito might be playing Henry Peter Gyrich, a government liaison to superheroes who often plays a malicious role. However, Gyrich's character doesn’t quite fit the knife-wielding field agent seen in the set photos.

Related: 60 MCU Characters Reportedly Set to Reprise Their Roles in Next Avengers Movie

As fans eagerly await the release of Captain America: Brave New World, the mystery surrounding Giancarlo Esposito's character adds an extra layer of anticipation. His debut in the MCU is set to be memorable.

Whether he plays Jake Fury, General Fortean, Bushman, Paladin, or a new character no one has heard of, Esposito's involvement promises a great performance.