Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Captain America: Brave New World marks the fourth film in the Captain America franchise and the first to feature Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, fully stepping into the role of Captain America. Directed by Julius Onah, the film shifts the tone from grand cosmic battles to something more grounded, personal, and politically charged.

Set after the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the story follows Sam as he tries to redefine what Captain America should represent in a divided and unstable world. When President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (played by Harrison Ford) is targeted in an assassination attempt, Sam is pulled into a growing conspiracy involving a dangerous resurgence of gamma experimentation. The mastermind? Samuel Sterns, aka The Leader, who has been manipulating Ross with gamma poisoning in hopes of turning him into the destructive Red Hulk.

The film balances high-stakes action with a more personal narrative. Sam must earn his place—not by being Steve Rogers, but by being something different: a symbol that reflects the modern era, one that leads with compassion, not just strength.

Visually, the film leans more into a thriller style than typical superhero flash. Urban settings, tactical operations, and grounded hand-to-hand combat give it the feel of a political espionage film, much like Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The action sequences are well-paced, with standout moments including a tense showdown between Sam and a Red Hulk–transformed Ross, and a high-speed chase across Washington, D.C.

Anthony Mackie brings a matured version of Sam Wilson to life, and his chemistry with Ford adds weight to the film’s central conflict. Supporting performances by Carl Lumbly (Isaiah Bradley) and Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres/Falcon) enrich the emotional landscape.

The film isn't without flaws. Critics found the plot slightly overstuffed, with too many subplots and underdeveloped side villains. Still, audiences responded more warmly, praising its themes of leadership, legacy, and morality.

By the end, Sam has fully claimed the shield—on his own terms. A post-credits scene hints at broader conflicts involving mutant and gamma-related threats, setting up future chapters in the MCU.

Overall, Captain America: Brave New World delivers a grounded, earnest, and politically relevant story that reminds audiences why this character—and the ideals he represents—still matter in a complicated world.