Marvel Studios has started its packed 2025 schedule with Captain America: Brave New World. This film marks the fourth installment in the Captain America series, but it has had a rough opening weekend. Despite projections estimating it will earn nearly $200 million in its first few days, critics have not been kind.
The movie has received one of the lowest ratings in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) history on Rotten Tomatoes. It now joins Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Eternals as one of the few MCU films with a “Rotten” score on the site.
However, the film is still pushing the MCU storyline forward. In this chapter, Sam Wilson (played by Anthony Mackie) takes on his toughest challenge yet as the new Captain America.
He must handle a determined new U.S. president, Thaddeus Ross (played by Harrison Ford), while also stopping a dangerous conspiracy led by The Leader (played by Tim Blake Nelson). This mission is not easy, even for a trained Avenger. The real question is whether Sam has the strength and determination to rise to the occasion.
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Sam Wilson Faces a Devastating Loss
Sam successfully prevents The Leader’s plan to create a war between the U.S. and Japan over the Celestial reserve. However, this victory comes at a high cost. His trusted ally, Joaquin Torres (played by Danny Ramirez), is severely injured in the fight and is left in critical condition. Doctors rush him to the ICU, and his survival remains uncertain.
This tragic moment makes Sam question himself once again. He wonders if he is truly capable of carrying the Captain America mantle. As doubt creeps in, an old friend steps in to help. Bucky Barnes (played by Sebastian Stan) arrives at the hospital to see Sam.
The Winter Soldier, who was once his rival but is now a trusted companion, gives him some heartfelt advice. Bucky reminds Sam why he took on the role and urges him to stay strong. After their conversation, Bucky leaves to focus on his campaign for a seat in the U.S. Congress.
Before Sam can take a moment to rest, The Leader appears outside the hospital. Surprisingly, he does not try to attack. Instead, he calmly surrenders, knowing he has no way to win. However, before he is taken into custody, he warns Sam that he has a backup plan. His words suggest that President Ross is either in great danger or could become a threat to those around him.
The President Becomes Red Hulk
Back at the White House, President Ross speaks to the press about the intense battle at the Celestial site in the Indian Ocean. As he delivers his speech, an unexpected event takes place. A recorded phone call between Ross and The Leader is leaked to reporters. This conversation exposes Ross’s connection to The Leader, leaving him in a difficult position.
Before Ross can respond, something even more shocking happens. The gamma-irradiated pills he has secretly taken for years suddenly take effect. His body transforms as he turns into Red Hulk. The transformation turns him into a powerful and unpredictable force, much like the original green Hulk.
As chaos unfolds, Sam quickly steps in to stop him. The newly transformed Red Hulk starts tearing apart the White House, leaving destruction in his path. Sam acts fast, leading Ross away from the historic building and into the nearby cherry blossom gardens.
Sam Battles Red Hulk in an Intense Fight
The fight between Captain America and Red Hulk is a fierce one. Sam does not have the advantage of superhuman strength or a supersoldier serum, making the battle incredibly challenging. Red Hulk’s raw power gives him the upper hand. Despite this, Sam refuses to give up.
He takes a different approach, hoping to reach the man inside the monster. He speaks directly to Ross, appealing to his humanity. In a surprising turn of events, this strategy works.
Red Hulk slowly begins to regain control, and eventually, Ross reverts to his human form. Realizing the damage he has caused, he surrenders to the authorities and steps down as President of the United States.
A Surprise Reunion and a New Future
With The Leader and Ross now in custody, Sam finally achieves another important goal. He clears the name of Isaiah Bradley (played by Carl Lumbly), a hero who was wrongly imprisoned for years. Isaiah is finally set free and reveals that he has built a friendship with Ross’s former security chief, Ruth Bat-Seraph (played by Shira Haas).
In another unexpected moment, Sam decides to forgive Ross for his past actions. He acknowledges the former president’s mistakes but believes in giving people a second chance.
In an emotional gesture, Sam helps Ross reunite with his daughter, Betty Ross (played by Liv Tyler). The two have been separated for over a decade, and now they have an opportunity to heal old wounds.
Meanwhile, Joaquin Torres begins to recover. Doctors expect him to make a full recovery, and Sam promises to introduce him to Ant-Man (played by Paul Rudd). With this, a new Falcon is officially ready to continue the legacy.
However, peace does not last long in the MCU. The end credits of Captain America: Brave New World reveal that bigger threats are coming. The Leader hints that he still has plans, and the Avengers might be facing their most dangerous battle yet.
A New Chapter for Captain America
Captain America: Brave New World delivers an action-packed story, emotional moments, and a surprising transformation. Sam Wilson proves his worth, despite lacking superhuman abilities. He shows resilience, leadership, and the ability to handle intense situations.
Marvel has set the stage for more excitement, and fans can only guess what the future holds for Sam Wilson’s Captain America. The journey has only just begun, and more challenges are on the horizon. Captain America: Brave New World is now showing in theaters.
Also Read: “Captain America: Brave New World” Trailer Highlights
