Captain America 3: Russo Brothers drop plot hints as fan speculation mounts

The directors have teased the next film in the franchise before its 2016 release

Chris Evans is Captain America in The Avengers (Rex)

Marvel has dropped some hints on what fans can expect from Captain America 3, which will focus on Steve Rogers’ search for the Winter Soldier, his childhood pal Bucky Barnes.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo teased that “the character was invented for an explicitly political purpose” that is “hard to get away from”, suggesting that themes of power, politics and morality are likely to continue.

The duo also promised to bring “new elements to the table” in the forthcoming third movie, telling Yahoo that fans could expect a fresh twist.

Further plot details remain under wraps but rumours are circling that the film could see the star-spangled shield passed to another character, should Chris Evans leave the franchise.

Contenders for the patriotic role include both Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson, also known as the Falcon, as both characters have taken up the shield in the comics.

The new movie, which takes place a few years after the last, is due in cinemas on 6 May 2016 in a clash with the hotly-anticipated Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

The Russo brothers are directing some episodes of spin-off TV series Agent Carter before turning their focus to Captain America 3.

The miniseries will air in the US in January 2015 and follow the adventures of Captain America’s love interest Peggy Carter, who founded the S.H.I.E.L.D in the Forties.