Marvel’s latest installment, Captain America: Brave New World, released on February 14, 2025, and early premiere reviews are generating a lively debate among fans and critics alike. As the film ushers in a new era for the iconic superhero, opinions vary dramatically—some hail it as an “absolute blast,” while others find it “slightly empty.” Here’s a comprehensive look at the film, its premiere, and what critics are saying, as well as key details such as the Captain America Brave New World release date and early captain america review scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
A New Phase in the MCU
Captain America: Brave New World marks a pivotal moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Anthony Mackie steps up to lead the franchise. After serving as Sam Wilson in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Mackie now dons the iconic shield as the new Captain America. The film explores his journey into this storied mantle amid global conspiracies and political intrigue, with a storyline that promises both high-octane action and thoughtful character development.

The movie also introduces a range of key characters, including Danny Ramirez as the new Falcon, Giancarlo Esposito as the formidable villain Sidewinder, and Shira Haas as U.S. government agent Sabra. Notably, Harrison Ford joins the cast as President Thaddeus Ross, marking his first appearance in the MCU—a casting choice that has generated considerable buzz.
‘Captain America: A Brave New World’ Premiere with Mixed Reviews
At the Captain America Brave New World premiere, reactions were as diverse as they were passionate. Washington Post entertainment reporter Herb Scribner described the film on X as an “absolute blast” that restored cohesion to the MCU. Scribner lauded the movie for its engaging story and praised Mackie for bringing new life to the role, stating that it felt like a Marvel movie where every project truly mattered again.
However, not all reviews were glowing. Film critic Cris Parker mentioned that while he loved Anthony Mackie’s performance, the film “didn’t quite hit the emotional or narrative highs” he was hoping for, calling it “slightly empty.” Similarly, Emmanuel Noisette characterized the film as “grounded, entertaining, and to the point” but ultimately average, with its political overtones sometimes overshadowing the core narrative.
Social media platforms and early critic tweets further reflected these mixed sentiments. Some viewers found the film exhilarating and praised its action sequences and character chemistry, particularly between Mackie and his co-star Danny Ramirez. Others criticized the movie for its uneven tone and felt that it was more of a setup for future MCU storylines than a fully realized standalone film.
Brave New World Rotten Tomatoes Score Predictions
The critical landscape for Captain America: Brave New World is still forming, with early scores on Rotten Tomatoes hinting at a challenging road ahead. While past Captain America films enjoyed high ratings, the current era of superhero fatigue and the transition to a new lead have raised expectations and skepticism in equal measure. Prediction markets suggest that the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score could range from the low 50s to nearly 70, reflecting a division among critics over whether the film can capture the magic of its predecessors.
Movie | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
Captain America: The First Avenger | 80% |
Captain America: Winter Soldier | 90% |
Captain America: Civil War | 90% |
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier | 85% |
Given the film’s mixed early reviews, many fans and industry analysts are watching closely to see if the movie will eventually gain a more favorable critical consensus. With Captain America: Brave New World release date now firmly set for February 14, 2025, the movie is already set to spark extensive discussion as audiences digest its bold new approach to the Captain America legacy.
Despite the varied Captain America: Brave New World review responses, the film represents a critical evolution in the MCU. It sets the stage for further developments in Phase Five, as Marvel continues to expand its universe with new heroes and complex narratives. The challenges faced by Anthony Mackie in stepping into the iconic role are likely to be a recurring theme as Marvel recalibrates its strategy in a changing cinematic landscape.