The highly anticipated Marvel Studios project, Captain America: Brave New World, has entered a significant phase of production. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) can look forward to seeing Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, don the iconic shield as the new Captain America. This transition marks a pivotal moment in the MCU, highlighting the relevance and potency of a Black hero stepping into the costume of a well-known character symbolizing the American flag.
Giancarlo Esposito, known for his compelling performances in series like Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian, has officially joined the cast in a villainous role. For weeks, Esposito had been hinting at his involvement in a Marvel Studios project, and now it’s confirmed. His addition is part of a 22-day shoot dedicated to reshoots and new scenes. The shoot, taking place in Atlanta, will include additional action sequences, ensuring the film delivers on its promise of being a political action thriller.
Julius Onah, the director of Brave New World, remains at the helm, guiding the film through this crucial phase. The movie wrapped principal photography in the spring of 2023, but like many productions, it faced delays due to the writers and actors strikes. While Marvel’s other productions, such as Thunderbolts, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Blade, were forced to shut down or delay production, Brave New World managed to complete its principal photography just in time. However, the strikes hampered its postproduction process, leading to a delay in its release date from July 26, 2024, to February 14, 2025.
This delay has given Marvel execs the opportunity to hone in on feedback from test screenings and refine the film through these reshoots. Matthew Orton, known for his work on Marvel’s Moon Knight, was hired in December to write new pages, ensuring the narrative remains sharp and engaging.
Despite reports suggesting multiple rounds of reshoots, insiders indicate that this is the only significant reshoot for Brave New World. The scale of these reshoots is not as extensive as those seen for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness or The Marvels. An insider noted that Brave New World will cost significantly less than The Marvels, keeping the production budget in check while maintaining high-quality content.
Brave New World is set to be a political action thriller akin to Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the 2014 film that starred Chris Evans and introduced Mackie to the MCU. At this year’s CinemaCon, Marvel head Kevin Feige showcased footage from the film, promising a grounded action film without aliens, alien invasions, or time travel. This direction keeps the story focused on real-world stakes and political intrigue, much like its predecessor.
The film’s cast is impressive, featuring Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, Danny Ramirez, and Rosa Salazar. Their combined talents are expected to bring depth and dynamism to the narrative, contributing to a film that could resonate deeply with audiences.
A significant aspect of Brave New World is its focus on a Black hero stepping into the role of Captain America. This transition follows the events of Disney+’s 2021 series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which concluded with Sam Wilson taking up the mantle. The symbolic and cultural importance of this moment cannot be overstated. Some believe that in terms of its impact and relevancy, Brave New World has the potential to echo the success of Black Panther, the groundbreaking 2018 film that was the first major superhero feature led by a Black cast.