Note: Spoilers ahead for “Captain America: Brave New World”
Thaddeus Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, stands backstage with his head lowered as he listens to the sounds of a cheering crowd. A staffer reminds him that he has one minute remaining.
“Heard anything from Betty? From my daughter?” asks Ross.
“No sir, we’ve tried her several times,” the staffer says before walking away.
Ross lowers his gaze again and discreetly takes a pill from a small, unmarked metal case. He adjusts his suit as an announcer declares, “Ladies and gentlemen, the next President of the United States of America, Thaddeus Ross!”
Shifting instantly from his sullen appearance, he marches onstage toward the podium, smiling brightly and waving to a crowd of supporters. The screen behind the president-elect displays a one-word campaign slogan against a blue background: “Together.”
From the beginning of “Captain America: Brave New World,” it’s clear: this isn’t your typical superhero movie.
Rather than assembling a broad ensemble of heroes (as we’ve come to expect from Marvel), “Brave New World” focuses primarily on Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and Ford’s President Ross. Overall, it feels like a return to the more self-contained movies from Phase 1 and 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In the role of Sam Wilson, Mackie is tasked with filling the shoes of Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers. Unlike Rogers, Wilson does not take the Super Soldier Serum when he assumes the mantle of Captain America. Without enhanced strength or endurance, Wilson instead relies on his vibranium suit and advanced technology for protection. This raises the stakes when Wilson takes damage or is parted from his suit, as he cannot benefit from accelerated healing.
Though some viewers will find this to be a downgrade from Rogers’ Captain America, I thought the concept of a “normal guy” stepping into the role of a superhero and being forced to put more effort into combat strategy was compelling.
“Brave New World” picks up after the events of the TV series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and frequently references the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk.” The core conflict of the film revolves around President Ross’ attempts to negotiate a treaty that will prevent any one country from gaining a monopoly over adamantium, a resource first introduced to the MCU in the 2021 film “Eternals.”
Despite referencing some of the less popular Marvel movies and series, “Brave New World” is still “figure-outable” for the average moviegoer as the most relevant plot details are explained within the film.
While it makes sense to draw upon “The Incredible Hulk,” given that the film introduced the character of Thaddeus Ross, centering a narrative around a movie from almost twenty years ago is certainly an odd choice. This has the unfortunate effect of making “Brave New World” seem more like “The Incredible Hulk 2” than “Captain America 4”.
As cool as it was to see Tim Blake Nelson reprise his role as Samuel Sterns, a character he last played in 2008, it feels like “Brave New World” exists just to tie up the MCU’s loose ends. It seems like there’s a shortage of ideas for original Marvel films.
Was the best way to kick off Sam Wilson’s Captain America story really by revisiting a Hulk movie that has been somewhat forgotten?
As many critics have rightfully pointed out, the marketing for “Brave New World” ruined the reveal of Red Hulk. The film is structured so that President Ross’ transformation into Red Hulk functions as a plot twist, but this cannot work with most audiences already anticipating the shift. What should have been a surprising moment instead feels underwhelming.
Ultimately, “Brave New World” feels like a “filler” movie before the next “Avengers” sequel. It’s an enjoyable Captain America film with fun action sequences but lacks a memorable story. Still, I am optimistic for future films with Mackie’s Captain America and hope to see more side stories explored in the MCU.
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