The Marvel Cinematic Universe has long been known for its destructive depictions of the White House, but Captain America: Brave New World marks a new era with its protagonist-turned-villain President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, played by Harrison Ford. The movie’s climax features Ross transforming into the Red Hulk and laying waste to the Rose Garden, leaving a smoldering ruin in his wake.
The film is styled as a paranoid thriller, with a plot centered around shadowy mercenaries, brainwashing schemes, and a black-site prison on American soil. Sam Wilson, aka Captain America, must navigate this complex web of power and corruption to take down Ross and restore normalcy to the White House.
However, Brave New World fails to critically examine the nature of power and its implications for individuals like Ross, who are driven by a desire to control and manipulate. Instead, it frames his actions as personal failings rather than lust for power, avoiding any real critique of systemic corruption.
The movie’s lack of agency and nuance is also evident in its treatment of Sam Wilson, who must constantly live up to the legacy of Steve Rogers while struggling with his own feelings of inadequacy. The film’s message about power and redemption rings hollow, leaving audiences feeling unfulfilled and uninspired.
Ultimately, Captain America: Brave New World represents a missed opportunity for the MCU to tackle complex themes and provide meaningful commentary on our society. Instead, it settles for shallow character development and a narrative that prioritizes spectacle over substance.
Source: https://slate.com/culture/2025/02/captain-america-brave-new-world-new-marvel-movie-trump.html