Giancarlo Esposito Says He Plays; ‘the Badass of All Badasses’ in Next Captain America Movie (Exclusive)

Giancarlo Esposito, renowned for his role as Stan Edgar in The Boys, is set to make a significant leap from television to the big screen as he joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). At San Diego Comic-Con on July 27, Esposito appeared alongside his Captain America: Brave New World co-stars, where he discussed his transition from the satirical superhero universe of The Boys to the high-octane world of Marvel.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Esposito, 66, shared his excitement about joining the MCU, describing it as a different cinematic experience compared to television. “You know, to me, this is cinema,” he said, emphasizing the unique feeling of working on a big screen project. “Scenes are a little longer, storylines are a little more connected throughout, and I play the badass of all badasses in a way that’s less diplomatic and more action-oriented. For me, I couldn’t be happier about joining the MCU.”

Esposito’s character in The Boys is known for his cunning and strategic mind, but his role in the upcoming Marvel film will showcase a different side of his acting prowess. At the Comic-Con panel, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, alongside Esposito and co-stars Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Tim Blake Nelson, and Danny Ramirez, unveiled that Esposito will take on the role of Sidewinder in Captain America: Brave New World.

Describing his new character, Esposito revealed, “I’m a mild-mannered industrialist and chemist in the beginning of his history, if we were sticking to comic book history, who eventually gets into the world of crime and does it very well.” This transformation from a seemingly ordinary individual to a formidable villain adds depth to his role.

Esposito further teased his approach to the character, saying, “But what I can tease is that I’m a hands-on action person; I’m not a guy who’s just directing and using my brain to get in and out of situations. I’m a guy that uses my hands and uses all the tools of my trade to do what I do the best that it can be.” This hints at a physically dynamic role, contrasting his more cerebral portrayal in The Boys.

The Sidewinder character, as described by Marvel’s official website, possesses the ability to teleport, adding an intriguing layer of mystery to Esposito’s role. While he is seen only briefly in the recent teaser trailer, much of his involvement in the film remains under wraps, leaving fans eager for more details.

Captain America: Brave New World is set to premiere in theaters on February 14, 2025, marking the next chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Esposito’s exciting foray into the superhero genre.

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