Early reactions to Captain America: Brave New World have been… rough. Some claim the film is choppy, riddled with terrible visual effects, and plagued by endless reshoots and rewrites. But how much of that is true?
Reshoots & Rewrites – The Unspoken Truth
Marvel might deny it, but let’s be real—they’re not fooling anyone. Leaked set photos show characters that never made it into the final cut. And the biggest giveaway? Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder. Every scene with him conveniently isolates Sam Wilson, making it painfully obvious he was added at the last minute.
But do these reshoots hurt the movie? Let’s break it down.
Sam Wilson: The New Captain America
Let’s clear the air—Sam Wilson isn’t trying to replace Steve Rogers. Steve is a legend, untouchable. But the Captain America mantle is more than just a person; it’s a legacy.
And Sam? He deserves that title. Unlike Steve, he doesn’t have super-soldier serum—he’s just a man with a vibranium jetpack and a strong moral compass. But what makes him stand out is his heart. He’s a counselor for traumatized soldiers, someone who understands pain and redemption. And his battle at Tiamut Island? A masterclass in strategy, proving he’s a different kind of Captain America.
Falcon: Joaquin Torres Steals the Show
Torres is easily one of the best parts of the movie. He’s funny, charismatic, and his arc—wanting to step up as a hero—adds even more depth to Sam’s journey. He’s not just a sidekick; he’s a rising star.
Isaiah Bradley: A Mentor Worth Having
Isaiah Bradley’s presence elevates the film, serving as a powerful mentor to Sam. Their dynamic adds emotional weight, grounding the story in real-world struggles.
Red Hulk: Harrison Ford’s Scene-Stealing Performance
Harrison Ford as Thunderbolt Ross? Brilliant. His version of Red Hulk is ruthless, willing to trigger a world war just to keep his secrets buried.
The transformation sequence is insane—one of the best CGI moments in the film. Some fans argue he was “nerfed” because Sam defeated him with talk no jutsu (aka, an emotional speech). But that’s the whole point—Sam isn’t a brute-force hero. He’s a counselor, a man who knows how to reach someone’s heart. Luring Red Hulk to a cherry blossom park, a place filled with memories of his daughter Betty? That’s next-level psychological warfare.
The Leader: A Letdown
This one stings. The Leader should have been a terrifying villain—a mastermind with an intellect that rivals the best. But here? His arrogance and supposed foresight are undercut by the fact that his plans fail twice. And let’s be honest, his design? Major downgrade. If you’re bringing in a classic villain with a massive brain, don’t half-bake it.
Sabra: The Rewrite No One’s Talking About
Sabra’s role was heavily reduced, and let’s not pretend it wasn’t because of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The boycott movement against pro-Israel corporations hit hard. Even giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks took a hit. Marvel clearly didn’t want the heat, so they rewrote her into irrelevance.
But let’s be clear. Disney didn’t do this because it was the right thing to do. It’s all about business.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?
For all its flaws, Captain America: Brave New World is still entertaining. It’s got heart, action, and standout performances. Could it have been better? Absolutely. But is it worth your hard-earned cash? Definitely.
I’m giving this one a 7/10.
Student by day, writer by night. If it’s cinematic, I’ll get it right.
I’m a big fan of superheroes, cinemas, science, and history. But most of all, I just love good stories.
