Captain America: Brave New World delivers a thrilling blend of action, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling, proving that Sam Wilson is more than ready to carry the mantle of Captain America. While the film has sparked some debate among fans, it undeniably plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), especially as it sets the stage for Secret Wars.
Anthony Mackie fully steps into the role of Captain America with confidence, bringing both strength and vulnerability to Sam Wilson. His performance is layered, portraying a man struggling to define what Captain America should be in a rapidly changing world. Harrison Ford’s take on General Ross adds gravitas, while Tim Blake Nelson’s return as The Leader gives the film a compelling antagonist. The supporting cast, including Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres (the new Falcon) and Shira Haas as Sabra, helps expand the MCU’s world-building.
The script is reminiscent of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, weaving espionage, political drama, and high-stakes action. It smartly explores themes of leadership, legacy, and the consequences of unchecked power. The writing team balances deep character moments with fast-paced action sequences, making for a well-rounded superhero film.
One of the more unexpected aspects of Brave New World is how it almost feels like The Incredible Hulk 2—without an actual Hulk appearance. With General Ross taking center stage and The Leader returning after his last appearance in The Incredible Hulk (2008), the film heavily leans into unresolved storylines from that era of the MCU. This is the most development the Hulk franchise has seen in years, with clear hints that the gamma-related storylines are about to become much more relevant moving forward.
However, some fans were disappointed by the absence of Bruce Banner or any direct Hulk involvement. Given Ross’s history with Banner and his transformation into the Red Hulk in the comics, many expected a bigger payoff. Instead, Brave New World plays the long game, teasing major developments rather than delivering them outright. While this slow-burn approach may be frustrating for some, it undeniably sets the stage for larger MCU storylines.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is how it lays the groundwork for Secret Wars. Without diving into spoilers, the movie introduces elements that hint at the growing instability within world governments and the larger cosmic threats looming over Earth. A particularly exciting cameo—akin to the Winter Soldier reveal—suggests that the MCU is building toward something massive, bringing back familiar faces in unexpected ways.
Despite its strengths, Brave New World has faced some criticism. Some fans expected a more traditional superhero movie, whereas this film leans heavily into political drama. Others felt the pacing was slower compared to previous Captain America films, with less bombastic action sequences. Additionally, while the film excels at setting up future stories, some viewers felt it spent too much time laying groundwork rather than focusing on its own self-contained narrative. The lack of a Hulk appearance, despite the film’s strong ties to his mythos, only fueled that frustration.
Overall, the movie was good. Given Marvel’s lackluster recent projects—such as Eternals, She-Hulk, and Hawkeye—fans were hoping this film would reignite excitement for the MCU, leading into Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.
However, with the recent firing of Jonathan Majors from the role of Kang due to his criminal case, Marvel has been forced to alter its original plans, which many fans were eagerly anticipating. This has left the studio in what appears to be emergency mode, scrambling to develop ideas that will recapture audience enthusiasm.
The decision to bring back Robert Downey Jr. for Doomsday has been met with mixed reactions—some see it as a desperate attempt to regain past glory, while others welcome his return. On the other hand, having Anthony Mackie continue as Captain America provides some much-needed stability, though it remains to be seen how that will play out in the long run.
One lingering question that fans still hope to see resolved is the fate of the original Captain America, a loose end that Marvel has yet to address. As the studio attempts to navigate these challenges, it’s clear that the future of the MCU hangs in a delicate balance.
