“Brave New World”: Marvel’s Latest Captain America Film Stirs Controversy

by Annika June 7, 2023

Marvel Studios recently changed the title for their fourth installment of the Captain America franchise, now titled “Brave New World.” This isn’t a huge plus for those who have become disillusioned with the Marvel movies and harbor reservations about the choice of Anthony Mackie as the lead.

Marvel took to Twitter to share the news, accompanied by a behind-the-scenes photo featuring Mackie and veteran actor Harrison Ford. However, for those who have grown weary of the superhero formula and its repetitive storylines, this update fails to ignite the same level of enthusiasm.

Captain America: Brave New World

In theaters May 3, 2024 (via @anthonymackie) pic.twitter.com/u1kCgLolsL
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) June 6, 2023

The upcoming film follows the events of Avengers: Endgame and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series, where Mackie’s character, Sam Wilson, took on the mantle of Captain America. The passing of the shield from Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers to Mackie’s Wilson was met with mixed reactions among fans. While some applauded the diversity and representation it brought to the superhero genre, others felt it was a forced attempt to be politically correct.

The casting choice of Mackie as the lead has also drawn criticism from those who remain unconvinced by his acting abilities. Detractors argue that Mackie lacks the necessary charisma and gravitas to embody the iconic character of Captain America. They question whether he can deliver a compelling performance that matches the legacy left by Evans in the role.

Furthermore, the decision to rename the film from its original subtitle, “New World Order,” to “Brave New World” raises concerns about the direction of the narrative. Some fans worry that the movie may delve into political and social themes that could alienate a portion of the audience, adding to the growing disillusionment with Marvel’s creative choices.

Despite these reservations, Marvel Studios remains committed to expanding its cinematic universe and exploring new narratives. Co-written by Malcolm Spellman, the creator of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and directed by Julius Onah, “Brave New World” aims to continue Sam Wilson’s journey as Captain America while introducing Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross.

As Marvel forges ahead with its ambitious plans, including characters from The Incredible Hulk, such as Samuel Sterns and Betty Ross, some fans who have soured on the franchise may approach this new installment with cautious optimism. It remains to be seen whether “Brave New World” can reignite their passion or further solidify their disillusionment.

The film is slated for release on May 3, 2024, and will also feature actors Shira Haas, Danny Ramirez, and Carl Lumbly reprising his role as Isaiah Bradley.