623 words, 3 minutes read time.
Captain America: Brave New World marks a significant shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In this film, Sam Wilson fully steps into his role as Captain America. After the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam faces the immense responsibility of carrying the shield. The world is still adjusting to his new leadership. The film attempts to blend political intrigue, action, and personal stakes. It has moments of promise. Yet, it falls short of fully realizing Sam’s potential as a character.
Why would Sam Wilson’s Captain America choose to be part of a system? This question is one of the most thought-provoking aspects. Why would he engage with a system that has historically—and continues to—treat Black people unjustly? The Falcon and the Winter Soldier at least touched on this. It made allusions to the Tuskegee experiments. The show also referenced the exploitation of Black bodies and the prison-industrial complex. The TV series also gave more depth to Wilson’s personal life. It particularly focused on his relationship with his family. This offered a more well-rounded depiction of his motivations. However, Brave New World largely sidesteps these complexities, reducing Wilson’s struggle to a background element rather than a central theme.
A key figure in this discussion is Carl Lumbly’s Isaiah Bradley. He played a crucial role in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He reminded audiences of the desegregation of the U.S. military, which primarily affected Black soldiers during the Korean War. Bradley’s presence also evoked the dark history of U.S.-led medical experimentation, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study (1932-1972), experiments on prisoners (Ohio Penitentiary), and military personnel (Operation Whitecoat). These historical realities make Wilson’s position as Captain America even more complex. His acceptance of the mantle is not just about heroism. It is about challenging and redefining what America’s ideals truly mean. Yet, Brave New World does not meaningfully engage with these weighty themes. It misses an opportunity to explore Wilson’s deeper conflicts in taking on this role.
Meanwhile, the film presents a mix of old and new faces. The film embraces diversity. This is particularly evident in the camaraderie between Wilson and Joaquin Torres. However, it still begins with a White man: Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. Harrison Ford takes over the role. He succeeds the late William Hurt. William Hurt played Ross in the MCU from 2008 to 2021. This framing decision is notable—it subtly re-centers the story around an established White authority figure rather than fully committing to the perspective of its new Captain America.
The film struggles with a broader issue that has long plagued the Marvel franchise. It is the inability to balance substance with entertainment. While Brave New World delivers the expected action and spectacle, it does not adequately tackle the political implications. The journey of its protagonist also lacks depth in that regard. It also overlooks racial implications. This lack of balance is particularly noticeable. In contrast, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was not perfect. Nevertheless, it engaged more directly with the real-world implications of Wilson’s role.
Marvel’s approach will likely lead to some backlash from those who already grumble against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These audiences may dismiss the significance of Isaiah Bradley’s story and the weight of Wilson’s legacy. Yet, their resistance only underscores why these conversations need to be had. Sam Wilson’s Captain America is not just about representing diversity. It involves reckoning with history and power. It also delves into what it truly means to stand for justice. Brave New World scratches at the surface of these issues but ultimately falls short of delivering a narrative that fully embraces the depth of its protagonist’s journey.
By Pat Harrington
Picture credit: By https://dam.gettyimages.com/thewaltdisneystudios/allaccess/#!asset/28ks3rpv49gp7cmxc48t8rt, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73349947
