After a run of over a month in theaters worldwide, the Marvel superhero film Captain America: Brave New World is approaching a significant milestone — surpassing the $400 million mark at the global box office. Expected to achieve this feat by this weekend, the film notably lags behind many of its Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) counterparts. Despite this, it has recently overtaken two major entries in the superhero genre, Captain America: The First Avenger and Black Widow, at the global box office.
As of March 21, 2025, Brave New World has grossed over $390 million worldwide, comprising $187 million domestically and another $203 million from international markets. Today marks a notable occasion as the film is on track to eclipse the $391 million global box office total of Superman Returns, a largely forgotten entry in the superhero realm. Following this, Brave New World is also set to surpass the total earnings of Black Adam, which concluded its run at $393 million despite a significant budget reaching up to $290 million.
Directed by Julius Onah, Brave New World is notable for introducing Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, a role previously occupied by Chris Evans for nearly a decade. The film's budget reportedly sits at $180 million, putting it among the lower-grossing films in the MCU's history. Currently, it holds a dismal 48% rating on the aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as the second-lowest score in MCU history.
The thematic elements of Brave New World reflect an evolution in the Captain America narrative, with Sam Wilson taking on iconic Marvel villains while shaping a new legacy. In this iteration, Wilson confronts political and geopolitical issues, as seen in his complicated interactions with President Thaddeus Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, who also assumes the mantle of Red Hulk.
One of the most compelling aspects of Brave New World is its acknowledgment of Isaiah Bradley, played by Carl Lumbly. This character, who made his MCU debut in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, represents a significant part of the Captain America legacy that the franchise has begun to embrace more fully. Bradley, often referred to as the 'Forgotten Cap', now sees a narrative that recognizes his contributions to the Captain America title. In Brave New World, he is repeatedly acknowledged as Captain America and has a profound backstory marked by racial injustice and government betrayal that resonates with contemporary issues.
As the narrative unfolds, audiences are witnessing the legitimization of Bradley's role as a predecessor to Steve Rogers. His recognition as a superhero and symbol of resilience carries a heightened emotional weight in the story. This is particularly meaningful given that Bradley was subjected to horrific medical experimentation and his story has been largely ignored in past iterations of the MCU. The comparisons drawn between Wilson and Bradley add depth to the story, bringing forth discussions around race, legacy, and representation within the superhero genre.
A continued exploration of Bradley's past could further enhance the MCU's narrative, even as Sam Wilson also steps firmly into his new role as Captain America. Despite lacking the super-soldier serum, Wilson’s capabilities as Captain America are bolstered by his tactical skills and advanced technology.
Notably, the MCU has a rich and varied history with the character of Captain America, having seen several portrayals since its inception. Chris Evans' Steve Rogers was the first and most recognized Captain America in this cinematic universe, but the franchise now expands to include Wilson. This complicated history entails an evolution that not only embraces the new but also acknowledges the characters and stories that have shaped the Captain America legacy.
Captain America: Brave New World, currently in theaters, is set to transition to Disney Plus approximately three months post-release, likely around May 14, 2025, as is customary for Marvel films. Disney Plus subscriptions begin at $9.99 a month, gearing up for the expected influx of fans eager to watch the latest installment. For those who prefer to stream through other platforms, the film will also be available for free during Amazon Prime Day on July 23, 2025, as part of a larger marketing strategy.
The cast of Brave New World comprises impressive talents, including Danny Ramirez as the new Falcon and Giancarlo Esposito, who plays the character Sidewinder. This dynamic ensemble is complemented by Liv Tyler as Betty Ross and Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns, enhancing the stakes of the narrative continuity.
As box office numbers continue to roll in and the release on streaming platforms looms, Captain America: Brave New World has much to discuss regarding its themes, character development, and at times, its shortcomings. Audiences both old and new will have much to consider about the legacy of Captain America and the evolution of its heroes in a changing cinematic landscape.
