Note: This essay contains spoilers for Captain America: Brave New World.
Captain America: Brave New World has sparked mixed reactions from both critics and audiences. In a time when the American Dream feels more distant, this division makes sense. The film has its share of flaws, but many reactions stem from differing expectations. Transitioning from Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson as Captain America hasn’t been straightforward, and it’s stirred some controversy.
America is grappling with issues like corruption and inequality, leaving many people confused about where to turn. Our leaders, particularly wealthy ones, haven’t offered solutions. This backdrop creates an irony in the conversations surrounding Brave New World, where superheroes are expected to inspire action and change. Yet, it’s Sam Wilson, the Black Captain America, who needs to confront these challenges.
Some critics have noted that the film doesn’t take a strong enough stance. Questions arise like: Is Sam Wilson bold or progressive enough in 2025? Does he offer a clear political voice? Or does he merely navigate a broken system instead of trying to change it? Personally, I believe that the character of Sam Wilson remains unapologetically himself despite the film’s production hurdles. He doesn’t represent just white liberal ideals through Black experiences.
I once thought our superhero narratives could achieve significant social commentary. For a while, it seemed like comics and films were genuinely engaging with themes of empathy and justice. However, much of that enthusiasm has faded as corporations often caved back into complacency when convenient. This includes Disney, the studio behind Brave New World. My focus isn’t on the company itself but on the creative team, including director Julius Onah, and what they aimed to present, even if not everything landed perfectly.
The groundwork for a Black Captain America was established in the miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021). This show tackled complex issues surrounding Sam Wilson’s journey as he took up the shield. Although it was received more positively than Brave New World, it still faced critiques about Sam representing an America that hasn’t fully embraced Black people. His message during the series finale highlighted hope but sparked debates about naivety. Critics often mentioned the character Isaiah Bradley and questioned the realism of his reaction to Sam assuming the mantle of Captain America.
In defense of the series, I argued that it needed to reflect real-world issues while also inspiring a vision of a better future. Sam’s journey should acknowledge both the past and present but not remain trapped in them. Instead, he must forge a proactive path, moving beyond stereotypes associated with Black heroes.
Brave New World embraces these ideas, aiming to present superheroes as figures of hope for audiences. Although superhero narratives have changed to reflect a broader audience, they still adhere to the idea of imagining a better reality.
In the film, some criticisms resurface, notably regarding Sam and Isaiah’s attendance at a White House event hosted by President Ross (Harrison Ford). Both characters express skepticism about Ross, who symbolizes a troubled government. Sam invites Isaiah to break his isolation and honor his past contributions, seeing the importance of recognition.
This situation mirrors the experiences of many Black Americans who take pride in serving their country, even amidst the systemic injustices they face. As the grandson of a WWII veteran who endured similar struggles, I empathize with the conflicting feelings of service and disillusionment.
Sam is cautious around Ross, who imprisoned him in Captain America: Civil War. Rather than lunging at Ross physically, he chooses to tackle the underlying issues. When Isaiah is imprisoned for an act he didn’t commit, Sam declines to escape him. Instead, he opts to uncover the truth alongside his partner, Joaquin Torres, highlighting the importance of strategy over reckless action.
This deliberate approach is essential for the narrative’s tension. The expectations for Sam to represent the struggle against corruption stem from contemporary issues, but the film’s character dynamics predate current events. The struggle portrayed cannot simply mirror contemporary politics, as it attempts to weave a richer story around Sam Wilson.
Some viewers found the resolution, where Sam talks Ross down and encourages accountability, overly simplistic. Critics argue it sends mixed messages, especially concerning accountability for leaders. The film isn’t strictly a political commentary; it’s about the significance of understanding and listening across differences.
Interestingly, the film faced scrutiny around expectations that weren’t placed on Steve Rogers’ narratives. During critical times in past political landscapes, Steve’s adventures weren’t scrutinized through a modern political lens. This discrepancy raises questions about our collective expectations for Black characters in superhero roles.
There’s a societal pressure for Black individuals to emerge as leaders, often drawing parallels to historical battles for civil rights. However, requiring fictional characters like Sam Wilson to remedy our societal failings overlooks the realities we should confront in the world. Superheroes alone won’t enact the change needed; real activism from individuals must propel that change.
The demand for Black superheroes to take on heavier political roles reflects broader societal sentiments but may unjustly distort their narratives. Rather than diminish their established identities, we should focus on supporting movements in reality, where change is genuinely needed.
Source link
Anthony Mackie,captain america brave new world,Marvel Studios
