Captain America: Brave New World is officially available to stream on Disney+ as of May 28, 2025, giving Marvel fans a second chance to dive into one of the franchise’s most talked-about yet divisive entries.
The film marks a major turning point for the MCU’s future, even as its reception and box office numbers spark debate across the fandom.
Streaming With New Context After Thunderbolts
The film’s Disney+ debut comes just weeks after the release of Thunderbolts, and interestingly, one pivotal scene in Brave New World now carries deeper meaning in light of recent MCU developments. A key moment involving Bucky Barnes—seemingly minor on first watch—has taken on new narrative weight post-Thunderbolts, fueling fan theories about his future and linking broader MCU threads together.
Box Office Performance: A Lukewarm Win
Despite strong pre-release hype, Brave New World brought in around $415 million globally, slightly below its estimated $425 million break-even point. This puts it behind many previous MCU entries like Captain Marvel ($1.1B) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ($859M), but still ahead of box office misfires like The Marvels ($206M). Disney has not labeled it a flop, but the results have raised questions about superhero fatigue and the future of mid-tier Marvel projects.
Red Hulk Reveal: A Spoiler That Was Inevitable
One of the worst-kept secrets in the film was the transformation of General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross into the Red Hulk, portrayed by Harrison Ford. Director Julius Onah later admitted the marketing couldn’t conceal Ford’s involvement, and Marvel opted to lean into it rather than fight the inevitable leaks.
While the reveal may have lacked surprise, Ford’s intense performance has been widely praised, especially for bringing gravitas and menace to the role.
Awards & Recognition
While not a critical darling, the film earned two nominations at the 2025 Critics’ Choice Super Awards, including Best Actor in a Superhero Movie for Anthony Mackie and Best Villain for Harrison Ford. These nods help validate the cast’s efforts even as broader reception remained mixed.
Behind-the-Scenes and Milestone Moments
Anthony Mackie, now officially carrying the mantle of Captain America, shared behind-the-scenes photos and heartfelt messages after the Disney+ launch, celebrating the moment as not just a career highlight, but a cultural one. Mackie is the first Black actor to headline a Captain America film, a milestone that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike—even those who were lukewarm on the film itself.
Reviews: A Mixed Bag
- Critics Score on Rotten Tomatoes: 48%
- Audience Score: More favorable at 65%
Common criticisms included inconsistent pacing, underwhelming CGI in the final act, and an overstuffed plot. However, Mackie’s performance as Sam Wilson and Ford’s Red Hulk were frequent highlights in reviews. Some critics compared it to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, noting it felt like a continuation more than a fresh start.
What Comes Next?
With Captain America: Brave New World now part of the Disney+ catalog, it serves as a setup piece for both Thunderbolts and future Avengers films. Fans are especially curious whether Sam Wilson’s Cap will step into a full leadership role in the next saga or if the MCU will pivot even further toward grounded, politically charged stories as seen here.
Summary:
- Now Streaming: Disney+ (as of May 28)
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Director: Julius Onah
- Cast: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Danny Ramirez, Tim Blake Nelson, Shira Haas
- Rating: PG-13
- Box Office: $415M worldwide
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 48% (critics), 65% (audience)
Key Takeaways
- Anthony Mackie leads the cast as Sam Wilson/Captain America with Harrison Ford joining as Thaddeus Ross in his MCU debut.
- The film follows Sam’s journey after the events of “Avengers: Endgame” as he faces new challenges in the role of Captain America.
- The diverse cast includes returning actors like Liv Tyler alongside newcomers Giancarlo Esposito and Shira Haas who will bring depth to this new chapter.
Cast and Character Analysis
The ensemble cast of “Captain America: Brave New World” brings together established MCU veterans and exciting newcomers. Each actor brings unique dimensions to their characters as the franchise moves into a new era following the events of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America
Anthony Mackie steps fully into the iconic role of Captain America after his character’s journey in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” No longer just the wingman, Sam Wilson now carries the shield and the legacy that comes with it.
Mackie brings his trademark charisma to the role while adding new layers of gravitas. His portrayal shows Sam dealing with the weight of following Steve Rogers’ footsteps while establishing his own identity as Captain America.
The film explores how Sam’s background as a military veteran and counselor shapes his approach to being a symbol of America. Unlike Rogers, Wilson doesn’t have super-soldier serum, relying instead on his Falcon technology, combat training, and natural leadership abilities.
Mackie’s performance balances action sequences with emotional depth, particularly in scenes addressing what it means for a Black man to represent a country with a complicated history on race.
Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / The Winter Soldier
Sebastian Stan returns as Bucky Barnes, continuing his character’s redemption arc following the events of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” His relationship with Sam Wilson evolves from reluctant allies to true partners.
Stan portrays Bucky with a new sense of purpose, having worked through much of his trauma from his Winter Soldier days. The film shows him using his unique perspective as both a man from the 1940s and a former assassin to help navigate modern threats.
The character still struggles with aspects of his past, particularly when facing enemies connected to Hydra. Stan conveys this internal conflict through subtle performances rather than exposition.
Bucky’s cybernetic arm features new enhancements, courtesy of Wakandan technology, giving Stan more dynamic action sequences than in previous appearances.
Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter
Emily VanCamp returns as the complex Sharon Carter, following the revelation in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” that she was operating as the Power Broker. The film explores her motivations and whether redemption is possible for her character.
VanCamp balances Sharon’s hardened exterior with glimpses of the idealistic agent she once was. Her character navigates a morally gray area, using her connections in the criminal underworld to assist Sam and Bucky while pursuing her own agenda.
The film addresses Sharon’s complicated relationship with the legacy of her great-aunt Peggy Carter and the betrayal she felt after being abandoned by the government she once served. VanCamp brings nuance to scenes where Sharon must confront the consequences of her choices.
Harrison Ford as General Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross
Harrison Ford takes over the role of General Ross, previously played by the late William Hurt. Ford brings his commanding presence to the character, who has risen to become the U.S. President in the film.
Ford portrays Ross as more complex than a simple antagonist. His character believes his actions serve national security, though his methods often conflict with Captain America’s values. The tension between pragmatic power and idealistic heroism drives many of the film’s central conflicts.
The film hints at Ross’s transformation into the Red Hulk from the comics, with Ford performing motion capture for these sequences. His performance conveys both the military precision of Ross and the barely-controlled rage of his alter ego.
Ford’s casting connects “Brave New World” to the larger MCU and potentially sets up his appearance in the upcoming “Thunderbolts” film, where Ross may assemble his own team of controlled superhumans.
Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley
Carl Lumbly returns as Isaiah Bradley, the forgotten Black super-soldier whose story was revealed in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” Lumbly brings gravitas to this role as a living reminder of America’s complicated history.
The film expands on Isaiah’s backstory, showing more details of the government’s unethical testing of the super-soldier serum on Black soldiers. Lumbly delivers powerful scenes addressing historical injustice while mentoring Sam Wilson.
Isaiah’s relationship with Sam evolves as he witnesses a Black Captain America making a difference. Lumbly portrays this change with subtle shifts in his character’s demeanor, from bitter skepticism to cautious hope.
The film also explores Isaiah’s family connections, particularly with his grandson Eli Bradley, potentially setting up the young character’s future as Patriot in the Young Avengers.
Wyatt Russell as John Walker / U.S. Agent
Wyatt Russell returns as the controversial John Walker, now operating as U.S. Agent. Russell portrays Walker’s continued struggle between wanting to be a hero and his darker impulses.
The film shows Walker working under government supervision, often at cross purposes with Captain America. Russell brings complexity to the character, making him more than a simple villain despite his violent tendencies.
Walker’s use of a version of the super-soldier serum continues to affect both his physical abilities and psychological state. Russell physically transforms for action sequences while maintaining the character’s volatile emotional instability.
The dynamic between Walker and Sam Wilson evolves beyond simple rivalry, with Russell and Mackie sharing tense scenes that explore different interpretations of patriotism and service.
Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph / Serpent Society
Israeli actress Shira Haas makes her MCU debut as Ruth Bat-Seraph, Israel’s first super-soldier also known as Sabra. The film reimagines the character as having connections to the mysterious Serpent Society.
Haas brings intensity to the role, portraying Ruth as a skilled operative with divided loyalties. Her character’s background as both a government agent and someone with personal stakes in the main conflict creates interesting tensions.
The film handles the character’s Israeli background with nuance, addressing geopolitical complexities without resorting to stereotypes. Haas delivers dialogue in both English and Hebrew, adding authenticity to the portrayal.
Ruth’s combat style combines traditional super-soldier abilities with unique techniques, giving Haas distinctive action sequences that showcase her character’s training and approach to conflict resolution.
Plot and Thematic Elements
Captain America: Brave New World explores several interconnected narratives that build upon previous MCU events while setting the stage for future storylines. The film balances political intrigue with superhero action as Sam Wilson navigates his new role.
Sam Wilson’s Leadership and Legacy of Steve Rogers
Sam Wilson faces immense pressure stepping into the Captain America role after Steve Rogers. The shield represents not just a weapon, but a symbol that carries decades of expectations. Throughout the film, Sam struggles with imposter syndrome while developing his own leadership style.
“I’m not trying to be Steve. I need to be the Captain America that the world needs now,” Sam tells Isaiah Bradley in a poignant scene.
The film draws clear parallels to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series, showing Sam’s growth from reluctant hero to confident leader. Flashbacks to conversations with Steve help establish continuity while allowing Sam to forge his own path.
Anthony Mackie brings emotional depth to Wilson’s character, especially in scenes where he must make difficult moral choices that Steve never faced.
Interplay Between Superheroes and Government
The White House becomes a key setting as President Ross (Harrison Ford) initially recruits Sam as a government-sanctioned hero. This arrangement creates tension between Sam’s duty to follow orders and his moral compass.
The film explores the consequences of superhero oversight much like Captain America: The Winter Soldier did, but with Sam bringing a different perspective as a former military man.
“Sometimes the system you’re trying to fix is the same one holding people down,” Sam observes during a heated exchange with Ross.
Government officials view superheroes as assets to be deployed, while Sam argues they should serve people directly. This conflict escalates when Sam discovers classified information about experiments continuing the legacy of the Super-Soldier program.
The political thriller elements ground the superhero action in real-world consequences.
Consequences of the Super-Serum and the Role of Eternals
The Super-Soldier Serum remains a central plot device, with President Ross revealing that government scientists have discovered Celestial technology that could create enhanced humans without the psychological side effects of previous formulas.
This revelation connects to the wider MCU, suggesting that Eternals’ technology has been discovered and repurposed by human scientists.
“What we found makes Erskine’s formula look like primitive chemistry,” explains one scientist.
The film explores ethical questions about who deserves power and who can be trusted with it. Sam’s interactions with Isaiah Bradley, who suffered from previous government experiments, provide emotional weight to these philosophical discussions.
References to Adamantium appear briefly, suggesting connections to upcoming projects featuring Wolverine and mutants in the MCU.
New Threats and the Emergence of Serpent Society
The Serpent Society emerges as a formidable opponent, revealed to be a network of operatives who have infiltrated various levels of government. Their origins connect to HYDRA’s remnants but with a new ideology centered on “necessary chaos.”
Sam and Joaquin Torres must work together to uncover the conspiracy. Their partnership mirrors the dynamic Sam once shared with Steve Rogers, with humor balancing the serious stakes.
Action sequences showcase Sam’s unique fighting style that combines his Falcon wings with Captain America’s shield techniques.
The film introduces several memorable villains who will likely return in future MCU projects, establishing threats that require more than physical strength to defeat.
Connection to Previous Films and Future MCU Plotlines
Brave New World carefully weaves connections to Avengers: Endgame and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. References to the Blip continue to show how that massive event reshapes world politics and security concerns.
“The world changed while half of us were gone. Now we’re playing catch-up in a game with new rules,” Sam notes.
The film sets up multiverse connections that will pay off in upcoming Marvel projects. A mid-credits scene hints at threats from parallel universes that could require a new team of heroes to address.
Sam’s journey suggests he will become the leader of the next Avengers team, with his diplomatic approach complementing his combat skills.
The film balances standalone storytelling with careful groundwork for Phase 5 and beyond of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Captain America: Brave New World” has generated numerous questions from fans eager to learn more about this latest Marvel installment. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries about the film.
Who is the main antagonist in Captain America: Brave New World?
President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford, serves as the primary antagonist in the film. Ross transforms into the Red Hulk during the movie’s climactic sequences.
The film establishes Ross as a complex villain whose political power makes him particularly dangerous. His character arc builds on earlier MCU appearances but takes a darker turn in this installment.
When is the official release date for Captain America: Brave New World?
Captain America: Brave New World is scheduled for theatrical release on July 25, 2025. This date represents Marvel’s positioning of the film as a summer blockbuster.
The release date follows several production delays that pushed the film from its initial 2024 target. Marvel Studios has confirmed this date is now locked in.
How has Captain America: Brave New World performed at the box office?
Captain America: Brave New World has not yet been released, as the current date is March 24, 2025. The film won’t arrive in theaters until July 25, 2025.
Analysts predict strong performance based on the popularity of the Captain America franchise. Pre-sale ticket indicators will become available closer to the release date.
What are critics saying about Captain America: Brave New World on Rotten Tomatoes?
No critical reviews exist yet since the film hasn’t been released or screened for critics. Captain America: Brave New World remains in post-production as of March 2025.
Early industry buzz has been positive about Anthony Mackie’s performance as Sam Wilson. Official reviews will likely appear in the weeks leading up to the July release.
Are there any post-credit scenes in Captain America: Brave New World?
Information about post-credit scenes is unavailable as the film hasn’t been released. Marvel films typically include at least one post-credit scene setting up future projects.
Speculation suggests connections to upcoming Thunderbolts and Hulk-related projects. Marvel Studios has maintained strict secrecy regarding any bonus scenes.
Has there been a significant cameo appearance in Captain America: Brave New World?
The full extent of cameos won’t be known until release, but several notable appearances have been confirmed. Leila Taylor, played by Xosha Roquemore, appears as President Ross’s Secret Service Agent.
Shira Haas joins the cast as Ruth Bat-Seraph, also known as Sabra in Marvel comics. Danny Ramirez returns as Joaquin Torres, who has taken up the Falcon mantle.
