By: Warren Shiu, Staff Writer
On Valentine’s Day this year, Marvel Studios released Captain America: Brave New World, the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Despite high expectations, the film has struggled at the box office, grossing just around $89 million on its opening weekend—a disappointing figure compared to past Captain America films. With a 49% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, it continues the recent trend of MCU disappointments. Starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, alongside Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, the film attempts to continue the legacy of Steve Rogers while charting a new course for the character.
Directed by Julius Onah, known for The Cloverfield Paradox, the film explores Sam Wilson’s challenges as he steps into the role of Captain America in a fractured political landscape. With Ross now serving as the U.S. President and tensions rising, Sam must navigate complex moral dilemmas while facing a new villainous force. While the premise had potential, many critics and fans felt the execution was lacking, with inconsistent pacing that made it seem as if various scenes were filmed and strung together at the last minute. It also suffers from underdeveloped antagonists and an overreliance on CGI-laden action sequences that fail to capture the grounded intensity of earlier Captain America films.
One of the film’s more compelling elements is Sam Wilson’s struggle with identity—not just as Captain America, but as a leader in a world that remains skeptical of him. Mackie delivers a solid performance, portraying Sam’s internal conflicts with sincerity, yet the script fails to give him the same depth that previous Captain Americas had. Meanwhile, Ford’s portrayal of Ross is a highlight, bringing gravitas to the character despite limited screen time. However, the supporting cast often feels underutilized, with key characters receiving minimal development, making their arcs feel unearned.
Watching Brave New World left me feeling conflicted. As a longtime Marvel fan, I wanted to love this film, but it lacked the emotional weight and strong storytelling that defined earlier MCU entries. The themes of political corruption and power struggles had potential, yet they were overshadowed by a cluttered narrative and forgettable action set pieces. While Mackie’s performance was admirable, Sam Wilson deserved a more focused and compelling story to cement his place as the new Captain America.
The film’s visual effects, while somewhat polished, lack the distinct style that once set the MCU apart. Action scenes, though energetic, often feel generic, lacking the tactical strategy seen in The Winter Soldier. Additionally, the film’s attempts at humor and emotional moments fall flat, a stark contrast to the heartwarming moments achieved in previous installments. Changes from early drafts, including significant rewrites and reshoots, likely contributed to the film’s uneven tone.
Brave New World is yet another sign of the MCU’s struggle to maintain its dominance in the blockbuster landscape. Once an unstoppable force, the franchise has faced increasing criticism for its oversaturation, declining quality, and reliance on setting up future projects rather than telling strong, standalone stories. Compared to earlier phases, which delivered tightly woven narratives and iconic character arcs, the current MCU feels directionless. Fans have expressed fatigue with the constant influx of content, and Brave New World’s lackluster reception only adds to the growing concerns about Marvel Studios’ future.
With hopeful upcoming projects such as Thunderbolts and the recently well-received Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man bringing the character back to television, the question remains: Can the MCU recover? While Brave New World may not be the worst film in the franchise, it represents a critical moment for Marvel. With massive films such as Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars on the horizon, can the studio recapture the magic that once made its films must-watch events? Even with stars like Robert Downey Jr. returning for a different role, will it make the impact needed for the MCU to restore its reputation?
Whether Brave New World will hold up over time remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Marvel’s golden age is fading, and the studio must evolve if it hopes to reignite fan excitement.
