Much like Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Captain America: Brave New World is a film whose beauty and depth will be lost on many who are not Black or a visible minority in North America. Critics have primarily misunderstood what this movie is trying to accomplish, and while it is not without its flaws, its significance cannot be overstated.
The movie suffers from juggling too many subplots, setting up multiple chess pieces for Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson to play with. Let’s be clear—this film is designed to establish Mackie as the leader of the next Avengers phase. Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson is not enhanced by the Super Soldier Serum, and even in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, he had to share the stage with Bucky Barnes. This film attempts to cement his identity as Captain America, but in doing so, it stretches itself too thin. The narrative is overstuffed with at least three competing subplots, leaving little room to breathe. Also, we kind of knew what the payoff was because Disney had the Red Hulk in the promotional material.
That being said, Mackie’s development in this role is stunning. His portrayal of Sam Wilson is joyful (you can tell he enjoyed this role) and layered, showcasing a Captain America who is not a soldier like Rogers but a tactician, a therapist, an emotionally intelligent leader, and an absolute powerhouse in combat. The film leans into the brotherhood of Wakanda, which, while secretive, recognizes Sam’s worth and gifts him a super suit that enhances his skills.
Unlike Steve Rogers, who was chosen by fate, Sam Wilson earns the shield through grit and perseverance. He is not here to erase Steve Rogers but to evolve what Captain America means in today’s world. Sam is the Captain America we need now—an empath, not just a soldier who follows orders. His journey is about leadership through understanding, not just brute force.
One of the most gut-wrenching moments of the film is watching Sam get his heart broken by Thaddeus Ross. Ross offers him a “convenient” seat at the table, only to rip it away when it no longer serves his political agenda – and he doesn’t even get time to process it because he has to suck it up and save the world. This is a painful reflection of the real-world abandonment of DEI programs—initiatives that promised inclusion and progress but were quickly discarded when they became politically inconvenient. The parallel is striking: we aren’t just throwing away programs; we’re throwing away talent, excellence, and voices that deserve to be heard.
Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley – The Weight of History
Carl Lumbly once again steals the show as Isaiah Bradley, the tragic and powerful supersoldier whose story represents the systemic erasure of Black excellence in America. Isaiah’s history in the MCU, adapted from Truth: Red, White & Black, mirrors real-world horrors like the Tuskegee Experiment, where Black soldiers and citizens were subjected to unethical medical testing. Bradley was the first Captain America in truth, yet his contributions were buried, and he was imprisoned while Steve Rogers became a national hero.
Watching Lumbly portray Isaiah in combat is breathtaking. The sheer power he exudes, coupled with the trauma of his past, creates a compelling arc that reminds us of the dangers Black men with power have historically faced in America. From Fred Hampton to Malcolm X, history has shown that when Black figures become too influential, they are silenced. Isaiah Bradley is a living testament to that painful reality.
Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross – The Misuse of Power
Harrison Ford steps into the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross following the passing of William Hurt, who previously played the character. Ford does not simply replicate Hurt’s performance; he adds a new layer of nuance to Ross, making him more than just a stubborn, self-righteous general. Ford’s Ross is a man who sees himself as a necessary force for order, but his arrogance and political opportunism are his downfall.
Ross’s arc in Brave New World is eerily relevant to our political climate. Much like current U.S. President Donald Trump, Ross represents the old guard—men who believe they can bend the world to their will under the guise of “doing what’s best for the country.” The current criticism of Trump’s consolidation of power by the seeming erosion of democratic norms and the weaponization of government institutions to serve his political interests. Ross’s tactics in the film mirror this—he extends opportunities only when they serve his needs and discards them the moment they become politically inconvenient.
Ross’s eventual transformation into Red Hulk is poetic justice. For a man who spent his life wielding power with brute force and an iron fist, his final fate is to become the very thing he feared: a monster born from his hubris. This parallels how authoritarian figures often become the embodiment of the chaos they claim to fight against. Ford plays this downfall masterfully, imbuing Ross with just enough desperation and self-importance to make his eventual ruin both tragic and deserved.
The Supporting Cast – Some Hits, Some Misses
As always, Giancarlo Esposito, as Seth Voelker/Sidewinder, is a fantastic villain. However, he was ultimately unnecessary for this film. His presence felt more like a setup for future conflicts rather than an integral part of the narrative.
Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon, is a highlight. His dynamic with Sam Wilson is fun and heartfelt, and his arc shows the impact heroes have on the next generation—particularly for minorities who have historically been shut out of superhero roles. Joaquin’s presence reinforces why Sam’s visibility as Captain America is so important.
Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns/The Leader had potential but was underutilized. The Leader is canonically one of the most intelligent characters in the Marvel Universe (though in comics, that title belongs to Lunella Lafayette, aka Moon Girl). Despite his intellect, Sterns dedicates himself to petty revenge, which is hilarious in its own right—but the film doesn’t give him enough time to develop into a true menace. As a petty king, I appreciate the energy, but I wish there were more depth.
I also need to hold space for Liv Tyler—my gosh, this woman is such an ethereal beauty even today. Her cameos were worth every penny.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room – Sabra and Political Controversy
Shira Haas’s Ruth Bat-Seraph (Sabra) is one of the most controversial aspects of the film due to real-world political tensions surrounding Israel and Palestine. I’ve seen the calls for protests and boycotts over her inclusion, and while I understand the sensitivity, I can’t agree with them. As someone who spent over a decade teaching advocacy and activism, I want to emphasize that we need to be careful about painting boogeymen everywhere—doing so weakens the movement and dilutes legitimate causes.
Activism should be precise and nuanced. We cannot hold individuals accountable for the actions of their government without understanding the full context. Otherwise, we risk engaging in the same broad-stroke generalizations we fight against. Sabra’s inclusion in the film does not directly endorse any political stance, and Haas herself has not been involved in any problematic behaviour beyond her nationality. Our activism must remain focused and strategic; misplaced outrage can cause division and fatigue within the movement, ultimately making it easier for detractors to dismiss valid concerns.
At the same time, it’s fair to critique how Hollywood portrays certain narratives and characters. The film significantly alters Sabra’s character, stripping away her Mossad origins and framing her as a Widow. There’s even a subtle nod to her possibly being a mutant, which aligns with newer interpretations of her character. This adaptation distances the character from direct political implications and recontextualizes her role within the MCU. Our discourse should acknowledge these shifts while pushing for responsible and informed representation in media.
I enjoyed the character. The actress plays Sabra with such an awkward, socially stunted demeanour—likely stemming from her past trauma—that she sometimes becomes comic relief. Yet, despite this, she is still a formidable force, proving herself resilient and highly skilled in battle.
Final Thoughts – An Important Bridge to the Future
Despite its structural flaws, Captain America: Brave New World is a vital film that firmly establishes Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the MCU’s Captain America. The movie beautifully portrays the pressures of Black excellence and highlights the weight of representation in a world that often demands perfection from marginalized figures.
Will everyone get it? No. But that’s fine.
For Black audiences, for people who have had to fight for legitimacy in spaces that were never built for them, this movie will resonate deeply. And for that reason alone, I need Black people to see this film.
Yes, it’s messy. Yes, it’s overstuffed. But at its core, Brave New World is a love letter to what it means to earn your place, struggle, and rise still.
And that is what makes Sam Wilson the Captain America we need today.
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