Disney’s latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installment, “Captain America: Brave New World,” has opened in theaters to a mixed reception from critics. The film, starring Anthony Mackie as the titular superhero, holds a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of only three MCU movies with a “rotten” rating.
The poor reviews come after Disney CEO Bob Iger stated that the company would prioritize quality over quantity in its future films. This shift is evident in the release schedule, which now features fewer films per year. The recent success of “Deadpool & Wolverine” has set a new benchmark for MCU movies, with a 78% critics score and $1.3 billion in box office gross.
The film’s controversy surrounds an Israeli superhero character, Ruth Bat-Seraph, played by Shira Haas. Critics have pointed out that the character was originally depicted as a member of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, but her role was reimagined for the film. This change has angered some Israeli critics and sparked protests from pro-Palestinian activists.
Actor Anthony Mackie faced backlash for comments about his character, with some conservatives accusing him of being “woke” or anti-American. Mackie clarified his stance on social media, emphasizing his patriotism and respect for those who serve their country.
Despite the controversy, box office projections suggest that “Captain America: Brave New World” will perform well, potentially grossing $80 million over the weekend. The film’s success will be closely watched to see if Disney’s shift in focus towards quality will pay off in the long run.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/02/13/captain-america-becomes-one-of-marvels-worst-reviewed-films-amid-protests-from-progressives-and-conservatives