In the latest MCU offering “Captain America: Brave New World,” the high-flying hero Sam Wilson has officially taken up the mantle of Captain America.
After meeting with newly elected US President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident.
He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
“Brave New World” is a return to the more grounded narrative that gives off a political thriller vibe (almost like “The Winter Soldier”). Now even though the latest “Captain America” delivers some decent thrilling action, there are quite a few things going on throughout the movie.
Before I get into some of the mixed aspects of the movie, let’s talk about the action real quick. There are quite a few action-packed sequences in this MCU movie that are thrilling at times. The one action sequence that really stands out is the fight at Celestial Island (which hasn’t really been mentioned since 2021s “Eternals”). That entire sequence is visually great and is probably the most thrilling action scene in the movie - even a tad more exciting than the Captain America vs. Red Hulk fight (more on that in a bit).
Even though this entry nearly isn’t as compelling as the previous “Captain America” movies, it’s a worthy follow up. The political thriller vibe really sets the tone for this one and I really enjoyed that aspect. It definitely reminded me of the sequel “The Winter Soldier” (one of my favorite MCU movies).
This MCU flick also serves as a continuation of the Disney Plus series “Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” a “Captain America” sequel and sort of a sequel to 2008s “The Incredible Hulk” (which has gotten mixed reactions but I still enjoyed it). We see a few Hulk characters in this movie, which is nice since it ties up some loose ends from the 2008 movie and we finally see what has happened to the teased villain Samuel Sterns (a.k.a. The Leader) as he makes his MCU return.
Even though it was good to see those characters again and see Red Hulk (Harrison Ford is awesome as Ross/Red Hulk), it added a lot more to the movie than it needed. Now, if the movie had a longer running time than a little under two hours, then it could possibly work a lot better.
The Captain America/Red Hulk fight is awesome to watch, but it ends rather quickly and should’ve been a little longer. And, slight spoiler, it’s the only time we see the anticipated debut of Red Hulk. The other villain, Sidewinder (played by Gus Fring himself, Giancarlo Esposito), is a slightly interesting supporting character that I hope we see in future movies.
Overall, “Brave New World” is a mixed bag at times, but it’s a fun mixed bag. The action is fine, yet some things could’ve been done better. It has been rumored that the movie has been re-shot several times, which is sort of noticeable throughout the movie. And, of course, there’s the traditional post-credit scene at the end that could possibly lead to something big down the road.
Cast: Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson); Harrison Ford (President Ross); Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres); Shira Haas (Ruth Bat-Seraph); Carl Lumbly (Isaiah Bradley); Xosha Roquemore (Leila Taylor); Johannes Haukur Johannesson (Cooperhead); William Mark McCullough (Commander Dumphy); Giancarlo Esposito (Sidewinder); Tim Blake Nelson (Samuel Sterns)
Writer/director: Rob Edwards (Princess and the Frog) (writer); Malcolm Spellman (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) (writer); Dalon Musson (writer); Peter Glanz (writer); Julius Onah (co-writer/director) (Luce; Netflix’s The Cloverfield Paradox)
Trivia: This MCU entry was announced the same day that “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” finale was premiering on Disney Plus. The one poster that features Sam blocking Red Hulk’s punch with his shield is an homage to the cover of “Captain America #230” (Feb. 1979), drawn by Ron Wilson. The character of Sidewinder was actually added during the reshoots.
In January 2025, Mackie said that he wanted to continue portraying the character for another decade. He was hopeful about making another “Captain America” movie after his roles in the next two “Avengers” movies, “Avengers: Doomsday” (2026) and “Avengers: Secret Wars” (2027).
MPAA: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some strong language (118 minutes)
Leila Taylor, played by Xosha Roquemore, is President Ross' Secret Service Agent and Sam Wilson's contact in the film. In the comics, Leila Taylor was a long-time romantic interest and confidant to Sam Wilson who was introduced in "Captain America and The Falcon" (June 1971) Issue #139. Leila eventually broke up with Sam and ended up working as a reporter who exposed drug smuggling.
The final act of the film is set in Washington, D.C., noted for its cherry trees. Director Julius Onah had vivid memories of the cherry blossoms from having lived near D.C. in Arlington, Virginia, as a child. To him, they aligned with the film's themes of empathy, since they were historically gifted from Japan as a sign of friendship.
One poster features Sam blocking Red Hulk's punch with his shield. This is an homage to the cover of Captain America #230 (Feb. 1979), drawn by Ron Wilson.
Sam comments on Ross's "new look", referring to his shaving off the mustache that the character had in his previous appearances, beginning with The Incredible Hulk (2008). Sam's comment is also an in-joke reference to the recasting of Harrison Ford as Ross after the passing of his previous performer, William Hurt. Later in the movie, there is a brief archive footage scene of a interview with General Ross (now played by Ford), where he still sports the mustache to justify the comment.
Announced the same day The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) finale premiered.
The film opens not with the usual "Marvel Studios" fanfare seen before every MCU film since Doctor Strange (2016), but rather with just the words "Marvel Studios Presents" on a plain black background with white text. Director Julius Onah drew inspiration from political conspiracy thrillers like The Day of the Jackal (1973), Le Samouraï (1967) Point Blank (1967) and Clear and Present Danger (1994) in an effort to capture the paranoia of trying to uncover a mystery within a corrupt political and military establishment.
The Red Hulk's movements are based on bears.
First ever appearance of the Red Hulk within the MCU.
Was originally titled Captain America: New World Order. However, the title was later changed to Captain America: Brave New World. Although Marvel Studios never released a statement as to why, some speculate it was changed due to the phrase "new world order" possibly being linked to anti-semitism. The first episode of the television series 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' was also called "New World Order."
The film received a "B-" from CinemaScore, lower than any MCU film, surpassing Eternals (2021), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), and The Marvels (2023), which each received a "B".
In the movie, Red Hulk acts just mindless and savage as early Hulk. In the comics, Red Hulk (also nicknamed Rulk) retains Ross's intelligence from the beginning. Like Abomination, he is stronger than Hulk is originally and is only defeated because Hulk becomes stronger the angrier he gets. Alternatively, Red Hulk becomes more radioactive the angrier he gets. While initially an archnemesis, Ross's time as Red Hulk made him more sympathetic towards Bruce Banner. Eventually he became a hero, joined the Avengers, and formed his own version of the Thunderbolts.
Sidewinder was added to the film during the reshoots.
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