Marvel Studios returns with Captain America: Brave New World, the first Marvel film in six months. This latest installment not only introduces Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the fully realized Captain America but also raises questions about the MCU’s current direction. While the film strives to honor the legacy of Steve Rogers, it struggles with the weight of past successes and the looming threat of superhero fatigue.
The New Captain America: Sam Wilson Steps Up
Following the events of Avengers: Endgame and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson has now fully embraced the mantle of Captain America. Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam lacks the super-soldier serum, making him a more grounded, tactical hero who relies on his vibranium shield and wingsuit for combat. However, this shift makes his version of Captain America feel less super, leading some audiences to wonder if he can truly carry the shield’s legacy.
A Political Thriller with Familiar Threads
The story begins with Wilson attending the Celestial Island World Summit, hosted by newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (played by Harrison Ford). The plot quickly takes a turn when Isaiah Bradley, a forgotten super soldier, is involved in an assassination attempt against Ross. This triggers a deep dive into a conspiracy that ties back to Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), the villain who has transformed into the Leader after exposure to Bruce Banner’s blood.
The film attempts to mix superhero spectacle with geopolitical intrigue, a formula that worked well in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. However, the execution feels like a rehash of previous Captain America films, pulling elements from Civil War and The First Avenger without adding much innovation.
Thunderbolt Ross and the Red Hulk Transformation
A major highlight of the film is Harrison Ford’s portrayal of President Ross. His performance gives the character a layered complexity, teetering between authoritative leadership and barely restrained aggression. As the story progresses, his transformation into the Red Hulk becomes one of the film’s major climactic moments, showcasing well-executed CGI that, while visually striking, also feels like another predictable “Hulk smash” moment in the MCU.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the film’s strengths is Anthony Mackie’s performance. He brings charisma and sincerity to Sam Wilson, but the script doesn’t give him much room for character development. Instead, much of the emotional weight and intrigue is given to Ford’s Ross, making Sam feel like a side character in his own movie.
Moreover, while Brave New World avoids some of the excessive CGI and multiverse complications that have plagued recent Marvel films, it still falls into the trap of predictable superhero storytelling. The film starts with an obligatory action set piece, changes Sam’s suit midway for no clear reason (except to sell toys), and follows the expected MCU blueprint without much deviation.
A Step Forward or a Step Back for Marvel?
Marvel has been facing a tough period post-Endgame, struggling to balance continuity with fresh storytelling. Captain America: Brave New World is meant to be a crucial piece in setting up the next phase of the MCU, yet it feels like a stopgap rather than an exciting new direction.
The movie plays it safe, delivering a solid but uninspired superhero film that doesn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessors. While it’s an improvement over some recent MCU disappointments, it lacks the heart and thrill that made past Captain America films so impactful.
Final Verdict
Captain America: Brave New World is a competent yet uninspired entry in the MCU. It provides a few entertaining moments and strong performances, especially from Ford and Mackie, but fails to make a significant impact. For dedicated Marvel fans, it’s a decent watch. For casual audiences, it may feel like just another superhero movie in an already oversaturated market.
Rating: 6.5/10
The MCU isn’t dead, but Brave New World doesn’t do much to prove that it’s thriving either. It’s a stepping stone for what’s to come, but whether that future is bright remains to be seen.
Also Read: The History of Sam Wilson as Captain America: How He Took Up the Shield
