It’s finally happening! After years of waiting, Captain America: Brave New World is set to hit the big screen, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Anthony Mackie takes the lead as Sam Wilson in his first solo outing as the new Captain America. We’ve followed Sam’s journey through The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but this film promises to dive even deeper into what it means for him to carry the shield while navigating new challenges.
This installment is part of Marvel’s Phase Five, and if the trailers and announcements are anything to go by, it’s going to be a rollercoaster of emotions, action, and intrigue. Here are the seven things you absolutely need to know before stepping into this new chapter of the MCU.
1. What to Watch Before Captain America: Brave New World
If you want to fully appreciate the depth of Sam Wilson’s story and the returning characters, there’s some homework you might want to do before watching this film. Luckily, these are some of the best MCU installments:
Movies:
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- This is where Sam Wilson was first introduced. His bond with Steve Rogers and his role as Falcon are central to his story.
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- This film highlights Sam’s loyalty to Steve and sets up his complicated relationship with Thunderbolt Ross, who plays a significant role in Brave New World.
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- We all remember the emotional moment when Steve Rogers passed the shield to Sam, officially naming him the new Captain America.
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- With key characters like Thunderbolt Ross, Betty Ross, and Samuel Sterns returning, this movie provides important context.
Disney+ Series:
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
- If you haven’t seen this yet, it’s a must-watch. It’s all about Sam’s journey to embracing the mantle of Captain America and introduces Joaquin Torres and Isaiah Bradley, both of whom return in this film.
- She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
- This show touches on the Hulk family storyline, which ties into the introduction of Red Hulk in Brave New World.
- Ms. Marvel (2022)
- While not directly connected, this series introduces the concept of mutants in the MCU, paving the way for Sabra, played by Shira Haas.
2. When is Captain America: Brave New World Releasing?
After several delays, Captain America: Brave New World is now set to release on February 14, 2025. Initially planned for May 3, 2024, and then July 26, 2024, the film will now serve as Marvel’s Valentine’s Day gift to fans worldwide.
This movie kicks off Marvel Studios’ 2025 lineup, preceding Thunderbolts in May and Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. It’s an exciting start to a packed year for the MCU.
You may also want to know about –All the Marvel Movies and TV Shows releasing in 2025.
3. Does Brave New World Have a Trailer?
Yes! Marvel Studios dropped the teaser trailer on July 12, 2024, and a full trailer followed on November 9, 2024, during the D23 Brazil presentation.
Highlights from the Trailer:
- Sam’s New Mission: President Thunderbolt Ross tasks Sam with rebuilding the Avengers.
- Isaiah Bradley’s Attack: A shocking moment shows Bradley attacking Ross under mysterious circumstances.
- Red Hulk’s Debut: The long-awaited transformation of Ross into the Red Hulk steals the spotlight.
The trailer gives a glimpse of the high-stakes drama and action that awaits us.
4. What is the Plot of Captain America: Brave New World?
Marvel describes Brave New World as a “paranoid thriller” reminiscent of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It delves into government manipulation, political intrigue, and global conspiracies.
Official Synopsis:
“After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself at the center of an international incident. He must uncover the mastermind behind a nefarious global plot before the entire world sees red.”
The discovery of Adamantium—a rare metal found in a Celestial from Eternals—is expected to play a significant role, potentially sparking a global conflict.
5. Who’s in the Cast?
The cast for Brave New World is absolutely stacked, featuring familiar faces and exciting new characters:
Main Cast:
- Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America
- Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres / Falcon
- Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley
- Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross / Red Hulk
New Characters:
- Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph (Sabra)
- Giancarlo Esposito as Seth Voelker / Sidewinder
Returning Characters:
- Liv Tyler as Betty Ross
- Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns / The Leader
Rumors suggest Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk might make an appearance, which makes sense given the Red Hulk storyline.
6. How Does This Tie into the MCU?
Brave New World is more than just a standalone movie—it’s a pivotal part of Marvel’s Phase Five and connects to several past and future storylines.
Connections to Past Films:
- Builds on the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and ties back to The Incredible Hulk.
- Revisits themes of government distrust from The Winter Soldier.
Future Implications:
- Reforming the Avengers: The film could lay the groundwork for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
- Young Avengers Setup: Isaiah Bradley’s grandson, Eli, might appear, potentially setting up the Young Avengers.
- Adamantium’s Role: This rare metal’s introduction could have major ramifications for the X-Men and Wolverine’s eventual arrival.
7. Behind-the-Scenes Details
The creative team behind Brave New World is a powerhouse, ensuring this film will be nothing short of spectacular:
Director and Writers:
- Directed by Julius Onah (Luce, The Cloverfield Paradox).
- Written by Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson, who previously worked on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Production Timeline:
- Filming began on March 21, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia, and wrapped in June 2023.
- Extensive reshoots took place in mid-2024, with Moon Knight’s Matthew Orton contributing to rewrites.
Composer:
- Academy Award nominee Laura Karpman (What If…?, Ms. Marvel) is scoring the film, promising an epic soundtrack.
What to Expect
As a longtime fan of the Captain America franchise, I’m beyond excited to see Sam Wilson’s evolution in Brave New World. Here’s what I’m looking forward to the most:
- Sam’s personal and professional growth as Captain America.
- The explosive debut of Red Hulk and the introduction of Adamantium.
- Connections to the broader MCU, including possible setups for future Avengers films.
Marvel has promised a thrilling mix of grounded storytelling, high-stakes action, and meaningful character arcs. February 2025 can’t come soon enough!
Image courtesy of Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Mohit Singhania is a passionate film enthusiast and the creator of CinematicJunction.com, a platform dedicated to exploring the world of movies and web series.
With a commitment to delivering original, high-quality content, Mohit combines his love for storytelling with sharp insights into the entertainment industry. When he’s not writing, you can find him binge-watching the latest series or diving deep into the art of filmmaking.
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