Summary
Despite the promise ofCaptain America: Brave New World’s first trailer, I am still nervous about the film thanks to a disappointing Marvel project from 2023. Unlike many, I have held high hopes forCaptain America 4since theending ofFalcon and the Winter Soldier.Although the second Disney+ Marvel show received some criticism, I am one who thoroughly enjoyed most of the show, especially Sam Wilson’s transition into Captain America.
As such,Captain America 4’s storyis one I have been anticipating, partly to see Anthony Mackie’s first solo theatrical outing as Cap, and partly for the promising MCU connections the film has toThe Incredible Hulk. Another aspect that furthered my anticipation for the film isCaptain America: Brave New World’s trailer. That said, while I was impressed with many aspects of the teaser, a Marvel flop from 2023 is giving me cause for concern, and equally causing me to check my expectations forCaptain America4.
Captain America 4 Trailer Breakdown: 10 Bombshells, Hidden Details & Best Moments In Brave New World’s Trailer Explained
The teaser trailer for Captain America: Brave New World has been released, bringing several twists, reveals, and amazing moments along with it.
Captain America 4’s Trailer Looks Like The Winter Soldier - But So Did Secret Invasion’s
The Tone Of Captain America 4 Looks Perfect, But I Have Been Betrayed By This Before
Perhaps the standout aspect ofCaptain America 4’s trailer was its tone.The film resemblesCaptain America: The Winter Soldierin its atmosphere and story set-up, with the latter remaining one of thebest-ranked Marvel movies. However, I quickly remembered that I had this feeling before, back in late 2022 and early 2023 when the marketing for Disney+‘sSecret Invasiongot underway.
As Secret Invasion proved, a strong tone alone can not fix other storytelling problems…
When the first trailers forSecret Invasionwere released, myself and many others, lauded the style of them, with the tone promising to be the grounded, spy-thriller vibe many desired from Marvel after years of silliness. In terms of tone,Secret Invasionseemed to be a return to form. However, the show itself was incredibly disappointing due to baffling character choices, the overall plot, the lack of connections or importance to the MCU, and its final episode. AsSecret Invasionproved, a strong tone alone can not fix other storytelling problems.
WithCaptain America: Brave New World’s trailer striking a similar tone, the betrayal ofSecret Invasionis fresh in my mind. I am hesitant to get overly excited about the former based on tone alone, given that I did exactly the same with the latter. This resulted inSecret Invasion’s lack of quality being all the more disappointing, meaningI will not be so quick to repeat my mistakes and judgeCaptain America: Brave New Worldbefore it comes out, no matter how fantastic the trailer looks.
I’m Worried For Captain America 4’s Final Act After Secret Invasion
Could Captain America Repeat Secret Invasion’s Biggest Mistake?
As I alluded to, the biggest issue withSecret Invasionwas the show’s ending. While the writing throughout most of the show was underwhelming plot-wise, the decision to throw away one of the best aspects ofSecret Invasion- its more grounded, spy-thriller tone - for a bombastic CGI fight in the final episode was overly disheartening. Given that I am comparingCaptain America 4’s trailers toSecret Invasion’s, I am apprehensive that the former’s final act will repeat the latter’s mistake.
As was revealed inCaptain America: Brave New World’s trailer, Red Hulk will be part of the movie. Played by none other than Harrison Ford inCaptain America 4’s cast, the inclusion of Red Hulk is undoubtedly exciting. Nonetheless, Red Hulk will have to fit withCaptain America: Brave New World’s seemingly more grounded tone to feel warranted. The balance of how to use Red Hulk will need to be perfect so as to not repeatSecret Invasion’s mistake of throwing away a promising atmosphere for a mindless CGI fight that any superhero project could put to screen.
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The Marketing Of Secret Invasion & Captain America: Brave New World Provide A Valuable LessonFor Fans
Judging Projects Based On Marketing Is Never A Wise Move
When all is said and done, the point is thatprojects should never be judged based solely on their trailers and marketing. Although I am admittedly putting into questionCaptain America 4’s trailer and comparing it withSecret Invasion, I am simply expressing my hesitance to judge the movie before it is even released. WithSecret Invasion, I almost subconsciously convinced myself it would be the best Marvel project sinceThe Winter Soldier,primarily because the tone of both projects was similar. This resulted in a higher level of disappointment when I finally watched the show.
I am now able to accept thatCaptain America: Brave New Worldlooks incredibly promising, but could end up the opposite…
Thanks to the lessons I learned withSecret Invasion, I am now able to accept thatCaptain America: Brave New Worldlooks incredibly promising, but could end up the opposite. On the contrary, it could do everything right and become one of Marvel Studios’ best. The point is, we will not know that until the film releases on June 01, 2025.
More so than ever, recent online discourse regarding film and TV is too quick to judge. Either something is the best project ever or a disgrace to cinema, with some projects even being tarred with this hyperbole based on trailers. It is okay to gauge excitement for something based on marketing; after all, that is what trailers are for. However, the cautionary tale involved here is not to convince yourself that a film or show will be perfect or terrible based solely on those trailers.Secret Invasionreiterated that lesson for me, and it is one I will carry over toCaptain America: Brave New World.
Captain America: Brave New World
Cast
Captain America: Brave New World (formerly titledNew World Order)marks Sam Wilson’s first MCU big-screen appearance as Steve Rogers' successor after receiving the suit and shield in Phase 4’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Anthony Mackie returns as the titular Avenger alongside Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Carl Lumby as Isaiah Bradley, and Tim Blake Nelson as The Incredible Hulk’s former ally Samuel Sterns. Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.After meeting President Thaddeus Ross, Sam is caught in a global crisis. He must expose the mastermind behind a sinister plot before the world descends into turmoil. Captain America: Brave New World marks the big-screen debut of Sam Wilson as Captain America, and Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut, replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.
