In a year filled with high expectations for cinematic releases, Captain America: Brave New World was positioned to make a significant impact as it kicked off 2025. However, the film's reception has been far from stellar, with critics and fans expressing disappointment. The movie, which was expected to deliver a gripping narrative akin to Captain America: The Winter Soldier, has instead garnered a disheartening 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it alongside other less-favored Marvel titles such as Eternals and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
The film, released on February 14, 2025, has crossed the $200 million mark at the North American box office, becoming the second film to achieve this milestone after A Minecraft Movie. Despite this achievement, it has struggled to resonate with audiences and critics alike, raising questions about its overall impact and legacy within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Fans had high hopes for Captain America: Brave New World, especially considering Chris Evans' portrayal of Captain America in the previous trilogy, which is widely regarded as top-tier within the MCU. The trailers hinted at a serious and gritty tone, promising a thrilling experience. Yet, as the reviews began to surface, it became clear that the film had not met the lofty expectations set by its predecessors.
One of the film's screenwriters expressed confusion over the harsh criticism, stating, "Wait, did we watch the same movie?" This sentiment highlights a significant divide between critical reviews and audience reactions. While critics have been quick to judge the film negatively, many regular viewers reportedly found enjoyment in it.
Despite its rocky start, Captain America: Brave New World has managed to avoid being listed among the five least-grossing MCU films. However, it faces an uphill battle in surpassing the global gross of Ant-Man 3, which collected $476.07 million worldwide, and $214.5 million domestically.
On its opening weekend, the film brought in $88.84 million, a respectable figure, but not enough to secure a lasting impression at the box office. In recent weeks, its earnings have dwindled, with the film collecting only $35,000 from 155 theaters in North America on April 18, 2025. The availability of the film on digital platforms may have contributed to this decline, as viewers have more options for accessing the content.
Looking at historical comparisons, Thor: The Dark World, released in 2013, collected $206.36 million in the United States and a staggering $644.78 million globally. Although Captain America: Brave New World has crossed the $200 million threshold domestically, it is unlikely to surpass the domestic haul of Thor: The Dark World.
Despite the mixed reviews and box office struggles, the film has received some positive feedback. Anthony Mackie, who stars in the film, shared that he had not spoken with Chris Evans in person since the film's release but received a text from him praising the film, saying, "Good job" and that he really enjoyed it. Mackie noted that their busy schedules have kept them apart, with Evans working in Central Europe.
As the film continues its run in theaters and prepares for its upcoming release on Disney+, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if it can recover from its initial reception and find a more favorable footing in the MCU landscape. The film's journey underscores the evolving nature of audience expectations and the challenges faced by franchises in maintaining momentum.
Ultimately, Captain America: Brave New World serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of film reception and the delicate balance between fan expectations and critical evaluation. As it stands, the film's future—both in terms of box office performance and cultural impact—remains uncertain, but its story is far from over.
