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Marvel Studios is taking a unique creative approach withCaptain America: Brave New World, and its success could shape the direction of future MCU films and TV shows. Set to release on February 14, the film marks a crucial turning point for both Sam Wilson’s Captain America and the franchise as a whole.
Right from the early stages of production, the buzz surroundingCaptain America: Brave New Worldhasn’t been ideal, to say the least. The film was reportedly hit by a series ofnegative test screening responsesand subsequent reshoots, which haven’t been reassuring to many fans. However, the trailers released so far promise something exciting, especially with the film’s distinct tone. This tone, which has already been seen inpreviousCaptain Americamovies, could become a stylistic trend not just for Cap but for other heroes as well. If Marvel intends to go further ahead with this approach,Brave New Worldneeds to succeed.
Captain America: Brave New World’s Political Thriller Tone
A Grounded Approach To Marvel’s Next Chapter
Judging based on the trailers released so far,Captain America: Brave New Worldappears to follow more of a political thriller tone rather than Marvel’s conventional blockbuster action spectacle. This aligns with previousCaptain Americamovies fromChris Evans’ Steve Rogers era, such asThe Winter SoldierandCivil War. With some fans still divided over Rogers passing the Captain America mantle to Sam Wilson, this creative call deserves praise, as it conveys that it’s the same hero in spirit. This choice serves as a blueprint for Marvel to win over fan acceptance for more heroes and their successors in similar scenarios.
CallingCaptain America: Brave New Worlda “grounded” film might seem far-fetched, considering it features a literal Red Hulk as well as Tiamut, a celestial being floating in the sky. However, it still feels more genre-heavy, balancing itself as half superhero movie and half political thriller. Apart from the obvious setting involvingHarrison Ford’s President Thaddeus Rossand the film’s focus on a supposed “international incident”,Brave New World’strailer showcased a lot of style with split-screen shots and eerie black lines, making it feel refreshingly different.
Brave New World Rejects The Easy Route For Sam Wilson
A Genre-Bending Film True to Captain America’s Roots
WithBrave New World, Marvel could have taken the easy route by opting for a more fun, crowd-pleasing storytelling style. Instead, they made the right choice by crafting a genre pastiche film, staying true to the spirit of otherCaptain Americamovies. In April 2024, Anthony MackietoldEntertainment Weeklythat the film is a more grounded action-thriller, similar to howThe Winter Soldierchanged the perception of Marvel at the time of its release.
“It made more sense for it to be more of a grounded espionage action movie as opposed to aliens and airplanes coming through portals and s*** […] I think with these movies, you’re getting a clear, new branding of what Marvel is headed towards the same way they did with Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”
Director Julius Onah andMarvel Studios President Kevin Feigehave both been vocal about deliberately taking this political thriller approach. Even unforeseen creative decisions, such as reshoots and the addition of Giancarlo Esposito to the cast, seem to revolve around perfecting this tone. Executive producer Nate Mooreconfirmed this toThe Nationalearlier this week.
As we were making the film, we were really trying to find the perfect political thriller tone. And sometimes that means some of the stuff you shoot doesn’t quite work out in the way you intended. […] We knew we needed somebody like Giancarlo to help ground the tone even further into the world of the political thriller without it getting too heightened.
Why Captain America: Brave New World Needs To Win Big
A Spiritual Sequel To Past MCU Projects
But is it really that important forBrave New Worldto be a political thriller? As a matter of fact, yes. Sticking to the same genre as previousCaptain Americamovies is the easiest and most subconscious way to ensure Sam Wilson is accepted as the new star-spangled man with a plan. Beyond just the tone, pastCaptain Americafilms were known for their high-octane, realistic fistfights, which helped them stand out from other Marvel movies. This tone is the right move not just for Captain America, but also to serve as aspiritual sequel toThe Incredible Hulk(2008)andThe Falcon and The Winter Soldier.
Going Beyond Mere Genre Imitation
Embracing a shadow government theme gives the film a distinct spy thriller flavor, drawing comparisons to genre classics likeJFKandAll the President’s Men. At the same time, this genre formula isn’t without risk. It might alienate a section of fans who expect afast-paced, explosive superhero moviebut instead get something that leans more into quiet espionage. Simply mimicking a genre doesn’t automatically make a film good. WhileBrave New World’scomparisons to political thriller films aren’t a stretch, it must surpass expectations to earn its place alongside such revered classics.
Genre Pastiches Could Shape Future Superhero Films
IfBrave New Worldsuccessfully continuesthis genre formula, it could carve out a path for future superhero properties. Marvel should continue tying its biggest heroes to genre pastiche films to ensure their properties remain distinct, even when films change directors or lead actors, as seen withBrave New World. Additionally, giving each film its own identity — like howAnt-Manfelt like a heist movie — is a smart way to attract non-comic book fans and expand a film’s audience. With that in mind, there’s a lot riding onCaptain America:Brave New World’sresults to keep this genre-driven approach alive. It could reinforce Marvel’s commitment to good storytelling while also benefiting movie culture as a whole.
