CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD is a 2025 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Sam Wilson / Captain America, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is intended to be the fourth installment in the Captain America film series, a continuation of the television miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), and the 35th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Julius Onah directs the film from a script written by the writing team of Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and Matthew Orton. The film is part of Phase 5 of the MCU.

After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.

The cast includes Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America alongside Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD made its debut in theaters on February 14th, courtesy of Marvel Studios.

Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD is a film with a lot on its shoulders. Not only does it aim to solidify Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as the rightful heir to the shield, but it also weaves political intrigue, global conflict, and classic superhero action into its runtime. The result? A film that soars in moments but struggles under the weight of its own ambitions.

Let’s start with the positives. Anthony Mackie fully owns his role as Captain America. While Steve Rogers’ legacy looms large, BRAVE NEW WORLD wisely leans into Sam’s unique leadership style—one built on compassion and strategy rather than super-soldier strength. Mackie brings charm and gravitas to the character, making his journey feel personal and distinct. His dynamic with Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres (the new Falcon) is a highlight, offering a fresh mentor-student relationship that feels organic rather than forced.

The action sequences are another win. Julius Onah’s direction delivers crisp, well-choreographed fight scenes that emphasize Sam’s agility and tactical mind. The set pieces—ranging from aerial dogfights to street-level brawls—keep the energy high, even when the pacing lags elsewhere. The film also benefits from some impressive practical effects and grounded combat, reminiscent of CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER.

However, BRAVE NEW WORLD also carries some glaring flaws. The story, while intriguing on paper, often feels overstuffed. With political conspiracies, government cover-ups, and a race for a newly discovered metal, the film juggles too many plotlines at once. This leads to a second act that meanders before finding its footing again in the climax. Some character arcs, particularly those of key villains, lack depth, making their motivations feel more obligatory than compelling.

Another issue is the film’s tonal inconsistency. It flirts with being a tense political thriller, then pivots to standard superhero spectacle, occasionally dipping into comedic banter that doesn’t always land. While Marvel’s signature humor has worked well in the past, some of the quips here undercut moments that should carry more dramatic weight.

As for Harrison Ford’s take on Thaddeus Ross, he’s predictably great—gruff, commanding, and effortlessly charismatic. But his role in the story might leave some fans wanting more, given the amount of buildup surrounding his character’s inclusion. Giancarlo Esposito’s presence adds an air of menace, though his screen time is surprisingly limited.

Visually, the film is a mixed bag. The cinematography shines in practical stunt work and grounded fights, but some of the CGI-heavy moments—especially in the third act—suffer from that all-too-familiar Marvel inconsistency. It’s never outright bad, but there are scenes where the seams show.

THE VERDICT

Ultimately, CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD is a solid but uneven entry in the MCU. It gives Sam Wilson a well-deserved spotlight and delivers thrilling action, yet it struggles with its narrative focus. Fans of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will likely appreciate its themes and character work, but those expecting a return to WINTER SOLDIER-level storytelling might leave a bit underwhelmed.

Not quite a home run, but Sam’s shield still flies high.