Captain America: Brave New World — Hits, Flops, Reviews

After nearly two decades of Captain America stories on the big screen, the shield has officially passed to a new pair of hands. Captain America: Brave New World marks Anthony Mackie’s first solo outing as Sam Wilson, and audiences are already asking whether the film lives up to the legacy — or stumbles under its weight.

Release date: February 14, 2025 ·
Lead actor: Anthony Mackie ·
Character: Sam Wilson / Captain America ·
Genre: Superhero ·
Based on: Marvel Comics ·
Domestic gross: $200.5 million ·
Opening weekend: $88.8 million

Six key metrics tell the story of the film’s launch and reception so far.

Is Captain America: Brave New World hit or flop?

What is the box office gross so far?

The film grossed $88.8 million in its domestic opening weekend, according to Box Office Mojo. By the end of its run it reached $200.5 million domestically and $415.1 million worldwide, per IMDb.

How do critics rate the film?

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 46% approval rating from 367 critics, with an average score of 5.4/10 (Rotten Tomatoes). Metacritic gives it 42 out of 100, indicating “mixed or average” reviews (Wikipedia citing Metacritic).

The implication: Mackie’s debut as Captain America landed below studio hopes, but his personal performance may buy the franchise time.

What was the point of Captain America: Brave New World?

Who is the main villain?

The film pits Sam Wilson against two antagonists: The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson), a classic Hulk foe, and Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), the U.S. Secretary of State who becomes the Red Hulk, according to Wikipedia. This dual-villain structure aims to explore both personal and political threats.

How does Sam Wilson’s story differ from Steve Rogers’?

Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson is not a super-soldier. He relies on his tactical expertise, the advanced wingsuit, and a team of allies. Collider notes this is Mackie’s first theatrical lead as the character, shifting the franchise from a supersoldier origin to a grounded, tech-reliant hero.

What is the central conflict?

Wikipedia states the plot involves an international incident that forces Sam Wilson to confront a global conspiracy while grappling with the weight of the shield. The film explores themes of legacy and responsibility — a natural extension of the Falcon and the Winter Soldier series.

Is Captain America: Brave New World worth watching?

What are the positive reviews saying?

Critics consistently praise Anthony Mackie’s performance. The Rotten Tomatoes consensus, as quoted by Wikipedia, says the film “benefits from Anthony Mackie’s finesse as the new Captain America.” Action sequences have also drawn positive notices for their intensity and choreography.

What are the negative reviews?

Common criticisms include a “routine and overstuffed” plot (same Wikipedia consensus), a convoluted political storyline, and underwhelming villains. The B− CinemaScore suggests audiences broadly share this sentiment.

How does it compare to other recent Marvel films?

Within Phase 5, Brave New World sits below Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (82% RT, A CinemaScore) but above The Marvels (62% RT, B CinemaScore) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (46% RT, B CinemaScore) — effectively middle of the pack, according to Rotten Tomatoes aggregated data.

The catch: Mackie’s performance is the film’s strongest asset, but it cannot fully compensate for a formula that feels worn.

What’s the biggest Marvel flop?

Which Marvel movies underperformed at the box office?

According to industry tracking via Box Office Mojo and IMDb, recent underperformers include The Marvels ($206 million worldwide), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania ($476 million), and Eternals ($402 million). Brave New World‘s $415 million total places it closer to Eternals territory.

How does Captain America: Brave New World compare?

With a similar worldwide gross to Eternals but a lower CinemaScore (B− vs. B), Brave New World may not be a historic flop, but it clearly underperforms for a franchise that once topped $700 million with Civil War. The opening weekend of $88.8 million is the second-lowest for a solo MCU debut in Phase 5.

What factors contribute to a Marvel flop?

Common factors include franchise fatigue, weak word-of-mouth (CinemaScore B or lower), and competition from other releases. In Brave New World‘s case, the absence of a built-in star like Chris Evans may have limited opening draw.

The pattern: Mackie inherited a franchise in decline, and no single performance can reverse audience fatigue.

What is the most hated Marvel movie?

Which Marvel films have the lowest audience scores?

Based on CinemaScore data cited in Wikipedia, the lowest-graded MCU films include Eternals (B), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (B), The Marvels (B), and Brave New World (B−). The B− grade ties with Thor: Love and Thunder for the worst CinemaScore in MCU history.

Is Captain America: Brave New World among the most hated?

Yes — the B− CinemaScore places it in the bottom tier. Combined with its 46% RT critic score, it ranks among the most divisive MCU entries, though still above the critically panned Eternals (47% RT but a B CinemaScore).

What are common criticisms of the most hated movies?

Overstuffed plots, inconsistent tone, and underdeveloped villains are recurring complaints. Brave New World shares all three, as the Wikipedia consensus notes.

The implication: Mackie’s character arc may be the only reason loyal fans should consider a ticket purchase.

Timeline

• February 11, 2025: World premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood (Wikipedia)
• February 12, 2025: Earliest release in EMEA and APAC markets (Box Office Mojo)
• February 14, 2025: Theatrical release in the United States (Marvel.com)
• April 15, 2025: Streaming release on Rotten Tomatoes listing (Rotten Tomatoes)
• May 28, 2025: Disney+ streaming debut (Marvel.com)

“Taking on the shield is not about replacing Steve Rogers. It’s about carrying the idea of Captain America forward in a world that’s changed.”

— Anthony Mackie, in promotional materials via Marvel.com

“We wanted to ask what it means to be a symbol in a time where trust in institutions is fractured. Sam Wilson embodies that question.”

— Julius Onah, director, via Marvel.com

For Marvel Studios, the performance of Captain America: Brave New World is a clear signal: audiences are willing to follow Sam Wilson, but they demand tighter storytelling than what the film delivered. The B− CinemaScore and mixed reviews mean the franchise’s future depends on how Marvel addresses the structural weaknesses — overstuffed plots, underdeveloped villains — that plagued this entry. For Anthony Mackie, the personal win is undeniable: he owns the role. For the MCU, the trade-off is uncomfortable: a new lead cannot fully offset a tired formula. Mackie’s next outing will determine whether this was a stumble or the start of a steady decline.

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