Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Marvel’s highly anticipated 2025 film lineup kicks off with Captain America: Brave New World, which had a rocky start during its opening weekend. While projections estimate that this fourth installment in the Captain America series could generate close to $200 million in its debut, it has faced significant criticism from fans and reviewers alike. The film currently ranks among the lowest-rated entries in the MCU on Rotten Tomatoes, sharing this dubious honor with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Eternals. All three films stand out as the only MCU titles to receive a “Rotten” score on the platform.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film continues to advance the narrative of the MCU. In this installment, Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, confronts his most formidable challenge yet as the new Captain America. He must navigate a complex landscape that includes a determined new president, Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), while also thwarting a dangerous criminal conspiracy orchestrated by The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson). This formidable task tests the limits of Sam’s abilities and resolve. Does he possess the strength and courage to tackle such a monumental threat? Keep reading to discover how his latest adventure unfolds.
Sam Wilson Receives Encouragement from an Unexpected Ally
Sam Wilson successfully thwarts The Leader’s malicious scheme to incite a conflict between the U.S. and Japan over the Celestial reserve, but the victory comes at a heartbreaking cost. His devoted sidekick, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), has suffered critical injuries during the confrontation and is currently fighting for his life in the ICU. This traumatic experience compels Sam to reassess his role and credibility as the new Captain America. Fortunately, he receives a timely visit from Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan. The Winter Soldier, once Sam’s adversary but now his closest ally, offers words of encouragement just before he departs to focus on his campaign for a seat in the U.S. Congress.
However, Sam’s challenges are far from over. Outside the hospital, he once again encounters The Leader, who is furious about his thwarted plans for global chaos. In a surprising twist, the villain appears to surrender, presenting it as the only logical option. Yet, he ominously hints at a contingency plan, indicating that the President’s safety is jeopardized?potentially putting everyone in danger. This unsettling revelation leaves Sam on high alert as he prepares for what lies ahead.
President Ross Transforms into the Red Hulk, Unleashing Chaos
Back within the confines of the White House, President Ross addresses the recent skirmish at the Celestial site located in the Indian Ocean. His statement is abruptly interrupted by a revealing recorded phone call with The Leader. As reporters press for information regarding the connection, the gamma-irradiated pills that The Leader has been secretly administering to Ross over the years begin to take effect. In a shocking turn of events, Ross undergoes a transformation into the Red Hulk, a creature just as formidable and unpredictable as his green counterpart. Before Sam can step in to intervene, the Red Hulk unleashes havoc upon the historic White House, forcing Sam to lead him away toward the tranquil cherry blossom gardens.
The climactic battle between Captain America and the Red Hulk is intense and precarious, as Sam is merely a regular human without the enhancements of the supersoldier serum, pitted against a towering behemoth. Yet, in a desperate bid, Sam throws a Hail Mary, appealing to the remnants of humanity within the raging monster. Remarkably, his efforts pay off, leading to Ross reverting back to his human form as he submits to the authorities and steps down from the presidency, marking a significant turning point in the narrative.
A Familiar Face from ‘The Incredible Hulk’ Makes a Triumphant Return to the MCU
With both The Leader and President Ross incarcerated, Sam Wilson is finally able to clear the name of Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), who has been wrongfully imprisoned for years. Isaiah expresses gratitude and shares that he has developed a friendship with Ross’ former security chief, Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas). In a remarkable act of compassion, Sam finds the strength to forgive Ross during his incarceration and engages in an unexpected gesture. In a poignant nod to The Incredible Hulk, Sam facilitates a reunion between Ross and his daughter, Betty (Liv Tyler), offering them a chance to heal and reconnect after being estranged for over a decade.
The film concludes on a hopeful note, with Joaquin expected to make a full recovery, enabling Sam to introduce the new Falcon to Ant-Man (Paul Rudd). However, as the end credits of Captain America: Brave New World roll, it becomes clear that numerous challenges lie ahead for Sam Wilson, and even The Leader seems to have an inkling of the impending doom that awaits him and the Avengers.
Captain America: Brave New World is currently showing in theaters.
