The new Captain America is back for his first cinematic adventure. Marvel Studios unveiled the trailer for “Captain America: Brave New World,” featuring Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) wielding the iconic red, white, and blue vibranium shield to tackle various threats, from inside the White House to the skies above the Pacific.
This initial teaser, directed by Julius Onah (“Luce”) and scheduled for a February release, teases intriguing storylines. The trailer delves into two key plot points: the new president and former Army general “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford, replacing the late William Hurt) inviting Sam to make the Captain America role an official military position. This proposition is fraught with tension, as Sam, last seen in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” operated as an independent agent before fully embracing his role as Captain America.
The plot thickens when Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), the Black supersoldier whose Korean War exploits were covered up by the government, takes a shot at President Ross. The motivations behind this act and the forces orchestrating it form the central mystery, with Captain America uncovering internal security breaches and ominous laboratories within the White House.
While this superhero film promises the expected costumes and CGI spectacles, the characters imply significant military involvement. Unlike original Captain America Steve Rogers, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, Sam Wilson is a retired Air Force pararescueman who fought in modern 21st-century wars before becoming the Falcon and subsequently Captain America post-“Avengers: Endgame.” Ross, a former Army general, once used special operations forces and military might against the Hulk before entering politics.
The “Brave New World” trailer hints that the U.S. military will prominently feature, including the Navy’s 5th Fleet and an aircraft carrier at risk. Additionally, the trailer reveals the villain played by Giancarlo Esposito (“Better Call Saul”) and the return of Danny Ramirez (“Top Gun: Maverick”) as Air Force Lt. Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon, from “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”
The studio aims to evoke the grounded, conspiracy thriller tone of 2014’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” evident in the trailer. It also teases the appearance of the Red Hulk, traditionally General Ross in the comics, though Marvel may employ a surprise twist. Destruction is inevitable with the Red Hulk on the scene, and Captain America faces significant danger.
“Captain America: Brave New World” premieres in theaters on Feb. 14, 2025.