by Hudson Moura
For the past two decades, superhero films have dominated Hollywood, but recent trends indicate a decline in the genre, with only a few notable successes like Deadpool & Wolverine. Captain America: Brave New World, the latest entry in the saga, arrives in this uncertain period for Marvel Studios, receiving a mixed reception from both critics and audiences. Starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Falcon, the film struggles to recapture the prestige of its predecessors and establish itself as an essential installment in the genre.
A Sequel That Fails to Captivate
This new chapter continues the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019) and the Falcon and the Winter Soldier series on Disney+. However, its strong connection to past productions may make it difficult for casual viewers to follow. The story revolves around Sam Wilson’s quest for identity, as he doubts his legitimacy as Steve Rogers’ successor. This theme is underscored by President Thaddeus Ross (played by Harrison Ford), who pointedly states: “You may be Captain America, but you’re not Steve Rogers.”
While this premise could have led to an in-depth reflection on the hero’s role and the transmission of symbols, it is unfortunately underdeveloped. Sam Wilson’s Captain America feels interchangeable, blending elements of Falcon, Captain America, and Black Panther. Even his costume evokes Ant-Man, diluting his unique identity.
A Lack of Meaningful MCU Connectivity
Unlike previous films that featured strong supporting characters like Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) or Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford), Brave New World lacks significant secondary figures. The much-anticipated cameo of Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) is too brief to add depth to the narrative. This lack of interconnected storytelling weakens the film, especially at a time when audiences expect cohesive world-building across multiple franchises.
Moreover, the film fails to introduce new characters who could enhance its connection to the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe. The absence of figures from other ongoing Marvel projects, such as Doctor Strange, Shang-Chi, or The Eternals, reinforces a sense of detachment from the overarching MCU narrative. This disconnection is particularly noticeable given Marvel’s usual emphasis on interwoven plotlines and crossover potential, making Brave New World feel like a standalone film rather than a crucial part of a larger saga.
An Underutilized Antagonist
There are too many villains, but none are imposing! Samuel Sterns, aka The Leader, presents an interesting narrative choice. First appearing in The Incredible Hulk (2008), Sterns resurfaces in Brave New World, establishing continuity with the earlier MCU installment. As such, this film functions as a sequel not only to the previous Captain America films and Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but also to The Incredible Hulk.
In Brave New World, Sterns emerges as the primary antagonist, continuing the consequences of his earlier transformation. He manipulates President Thaddeus Ross, exposing him to gamma radiation and transforming him into Red Hulk. Sterns also orchestrates attacks aimed at creating international tensions, including manipulating American pilots into attacking a Japanese fleet near Celestial Island, which is rich in adamantium.
Another antagonist in the film is a clandestine group led by Volkler, played by Giancarlo Esposito, which seeks to destabilize world order by exploiting geopolitical tensions. Despite multiple threats teased throughout the film, Brave New World lacks a truly compelling supervillain. President Thaddeus Ross, as Red Hulk, had the potential to fulfill this role, but his appearance is too brief to leave a lasting impact.
A Diminished Political Reflection
Historically, Captain America films have stood out for their strong political themes. Captain America: The Winter Soldier(2014) tackled the rise of extremism and post-9/11 security concerns. However, this latest iteration seems disconnected from contemporary sociopolitical realities. At a time when debates on democracy and extremism are more relevant than ever in the United States, Brave New World deliberately sidesteps these issues, missing an opportunity to distinguish itself with a contemporary reading of the superhero mythos.
Additionally, while previous installments explored ideological conflicts within governmental institutions, Brave New World takes a more superficial approach to political intrigue. The film introduces geopolitical tensions, particularly involving U.S. military actions and global instability, but these elements remain secondary and lack the depth needed to make a strong political statement. For instance, the conflict with Japan feels abrupt and lacks clear narrative justification, making it seem pointless and disconnected from the film’s central themes. This reluctance to engage with real-world issues ultimately weakens the film’s impact, making it feel less relevant compared to its predecessors.
A Critical Box Office Test for Marvel
The future of Marvel Studios largely depends on this film’s commercial performance. After a period of inconsistent box office success, Brave New World needs to win over audiences to ensure the viability of upcoming projects such as Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four, as well as the next Avengers mega-blockbuster scheduled for next year. However, with mixed reviews and lukewarm word-of-mouth, the trajectory of this Captain America installment remains uncertain.
If Brave New World underperforms, it could force Marvel Studios to reconsider its current approach to storytelling and character development. Given the growing competition from other blockbuster franchises and the increasing audience fatigue with formulaic superhero narratives, Marvel may need to shift its focus toward more character-driven and thematically rich stories. The success or failure of this film will likely shape the studio’s direction for years to come, determining whether audiences still have an appetite for the traditional MCU formula or if significant reinvention is required.
A Film in Search of Identity
While Captain America: Brave New World aims to usher in a new era for the character, it ultimately fails to captivate due to a lack of originality and depth. The absence of a compelling antagonist, weak MCU connectivity, and a diminished political reflection make this film a middling effort. The question remains: will audiences embrace this new Captain America, or will this installment further confirm the superhero genre’s decline?
Furthermore, the film struggles with balancing nostalgia for the past and innovation for the future. While it attempts to honor the legacy of Steve Rogers, it does not provide enough fresh ideas to make Sam Wilson’s Captain America stand out. The reliance on familiar tropes without meaningful evolution prevents Brave New World from making a lasting impression, leaving it in a limbo between honoring tradition and forging a bold new path.
2.5/5