With Steve Rogers long out of the picture (likely still alive, living out his days in peaceful obscurity), Sam Wilson (Mackie) fully embraces the mantle of Captain America. But while the shield remains, the world he fights for is more divided than ever. The film leans heavily into the paranoia of Cold War thrillers, much like Winter Soldier, but with a sharper edge that borrows from The Manchurian Candidate—featuring Isaiah Bradley (Lumbly) as an unwilling pawn in an assassination attempt on President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Ford, stepping in for the late William Hurt).
The Weight of Leadership
Mackie’s Cap isn’t just a symbol—he’s a bridge, a leader who brings people together instead of simply charging into battle. His ability to inspire and mentor sets him apart, making him distinct from Steve Rogers. This is best seen in his bond with young Air Force pilot Joaquin Torres (Ramirez), the new Falcon, whose infectious enthusiasm adds energy to their dynamic. Their brotherly relationship feels effortless, with Torres playing sidekick but never fading into the background.
Yet, while the character work is strong, Brave New World stumbles in its action. We’ve seen Sam master his aerial maneuvers and the shield’s physics-defying ricochets before—yet the film doesn’t push its combat choreography into fresh territory. Even Sam’s notable tech upgrade is lifted straight from Wakanda’s playbook, making his arsenal feel borrowed rather than innovative. Director Julius Onah never fully commands the blockbuster spectacle, and the film’s overall message—preaching unity while sidestepping the very issues that fracture that unity—feels frustratingly safe.
A Villain with a Point
Then there’s the Leader (Nelson), a villain who preaches about America’s self-destruction in a way that’s disturbingly relatable. His arguments aren’t entirely wrong—corruption, division, unchecked power—but his solutions veer straight into comic-book villainy. It’s hard not to acknowledge his point, even as he edges toward full-blown megalomania. And once again, the government proves itself more concerned with covering its tracks than serving justice, as two innocent men (Isaiah Bradley and Doctor Samuel Sterns) are imprisoned under dubious pretenses.
Bradley’s presence is meant to ground the story’s emotional stakes, and Lumbly delivers another powerful performance. Yet, for those who watched The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, his arc feels like a retread rather than an evolution. Meanwhile, newcomers might find his introduction rushed, as the film clumsily underplays the weight of his tragic past. It’s another case of Brave New World playing it safe, repeating what worked before instead of expanding on it.
Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross—A Mismatch
Then there’s Ford. A legendary presence, but a questionable fit for Ross. William Hurt’s version was a bureaucratic tyrant, the kind of official whose every decision reeked of self-interest and unchecked power. Ford, however, injects too much charm into the role, making Ross seem more like a gruff but well-meaning politician rather than the hardliner we knew. His scenes with Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) add depth, but it’s hard to reconcile this version of Ross with the man who once authorized the Raft’s brutal imprisonments. Still, Ford commits, and his performance remains engaging, even if the character feels somewhat misaligned.
Marvel’s Post-Endgame Struggles
Like much of the MCU’s post-Endgame output, Brave New World grapples with its identity. Some films have felt like drawn-out farewells; others like placeholders for whatever comes next. Brave New World doesn’t entirely escape this trap, but it at least rekindles some of what made the MCU compelling in the first place. Despite its missteps, Sam Wilson’s journey feels genuine, leaving a sliver of hope that Marvel might still have some fight left in it.
