In Captain America: Brave New World, Sam Wilson fully embraces his new identity as the mantle-bearing Captain America. Directed by Julius Onah, this fourth solo instalment, continuing from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier pits him against political conspiracy, mind control, and cosmic stakes as he navigates shifting loyalties and redemptive reckonings.
Five months into the new presidency of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford), Captain America (Sam Wilson) and Falcon (Joaquin Torres) embark on a mission in Oaxaca, Mexico. Their objective: intercept a shipment of secretive, high-value “classified items” from Sidewinder’s Serpent Society. Amid the towering arches of a cathedral, Sam rescues hostages while Falcon intercepts the stolen canister, only to find Sidewinder slipping away.
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Back in the U.S., Sam hesitantly takes Joaquin under his wing, a responsibility he sees mirrored in the figure of Isaiah Bradley, a super-soldier victim of decades of betrayal and experimentation. Sam brings Isaiah into the fold, not only as a mentor figure, but as a reminder that heroism demands empathy as much as strength.
Ross invites Sam, Joaquin, and Isaiah to a high-stakes summit where he formally asks Sam’s help in rebuilding the Avengers. The summit reveals a bombshell: the discovery of adamantium, harvested from the remains of a Celestial on “Celestial Island.” Just as a new treaty is about to be discussed, flashes from phones spark chaos Isaiah and others spring into violent action, gunning for Ross. Sam intervenes, but Isaiah is arrested, bewildered and without recollection of why he did it.
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As Sam investigates, he uncovers the manipulator: Samuel Sterns, aka the Leader, a mind behind the scenes orchestrating not only chaos, but the tragedy within the President himself. Sterns reveals a sinister plot: Ross has been subtly poisoned with gamma radiation over time, coerced into transforming into the terrifying Red Hulk. His vendetta, hidden behind official disguises, is now unleashed.
The climactic battle hits home when Ross transforms into Red Hulk and tears into the White House. It’s Sam’s compassion and a personal reminder to his daughter that breaks through. Ross regains himself, steps down from office, and ends up imprisoned on The Raft.
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In the quieter aftermath, Sam visits Ross in prison closing the loop on their tragic clash. Then, in a post-credits scene, Sterns warns Sam of threats from “The Others”, a glimpse into future multiversal Avengers-level threats
Director: Julius Onah
Cast:
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America
Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross / Red Hulk
Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres / Falcon
Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley
Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder
Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns / The Leader
Supporting: Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Liv Tyler
Runtime: 118 minutes (approx. 1h 58m)
Watch trailer here.
