Captain America: Brave New World Teaser Trailer Reaction
Marvel Studios has released the first look at ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ in an extremely slick teaser trailer, with tense music and transitions that hope to portray an intense political conflict brewing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Beyond this, there are plenty of references to what audiences can expect from the comics, hoping to strike a fine balance between realism and escapism.
Opening up, audiences first see Captain America, Sam Wilson, get reacquainted with the now President Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, now played by Harrison Ford after the passing of previous actor William Hurt. There’s a cheeky line about Wilson still getting used to Ross’ new look, a reference to the change in actor. But it very quickly turns serious as Ross wants to turn the position of Captain America into an official military post, a dangerous prospect considering the previous attempt through the Sokovia Accords failed spectacularly.
Throughout this exchange, audiences get glimpses of the 5th Fleet, and jets flying about. It hints at where this film’s conflict might take place outside the US, as the 5th Fleet operates in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Indian Ocean. MCU fans know that Tiamut from the Eternals rose in the Indian Ocean, and that’s the first hint audiences get. Sam flies past what looks like his body later on in the trailer, finally addressing the dead Celestial in the room.
It seems like the 5th Fleet will be heavily involved in the film, as jets are launched, a fire is onboard a ship and a barrage of missiles are launched into the air. It’s unclear what they’re targeting, but it’s likely Wilson and the new Falcon Joaquín Torres are the intended targets. This would fit into the film’s synopsis, which says Wilson has to deal with an international incident. Tiamut’s emergence might play a role in this, but the roots likely stem from within the USA.
Another comics’ connection audiences get is to the Israeli character Ruth Bat-Seraph, who appears briefly. Her comics origin saw her don the superhero name Sabra, and operate as a Mossad agent. To try and reduce some of the controversy around her inclusion, this incarnation of Bat-Seraph will be a ranking official of the US government, and a former Black Widow. Time will tell if her inclusion was a good idea or not.
Audiences then get a look at what’s likely the catalyst for the film, Isaiah Bradley attempting to kill the US President. It’s unclear whether he does this willingly or not, hopefully not as it would be hugely out of character. This prompts Wilson to warn Ross his inner circle has been compromised, but Ross refuses to hear it. It’s likely that how they want to handle this situation drives a further wedge between the two, and escalates the conflict further.
To add to the growing comicbook connections, voiceover from Samuel Sterns, also known as The Leader, explains that global power is shifting. He’s also briefly visible in moments. How he’s involved is unknown currently, but it’s great to see a character audiences thought that Marvel Studios had forgotten brought back and used in what’s hopefully a major role. But The Leader won’t be the only villain. Giancarlo Esposito makes his MCU debut in an unknown role, but it’s clear he’s intent on taking down the US government.
The other villain present in the mix is the Red Hulk, Ross’ alter ego. How Ross finds himself transforming into the big guy is unclear, but it will surely send ripples through the US political system and military that the President hulks out. It’s fantastic that Ross gets to this moment, after being a mainstay of the MCU for so long. It does seem a bit of a shame that it’s happening in a Captain America film and not a Hulk film, but the groundwork done with the MCU version of the character makes it logical as to why he’d be fighting Captain America.
Overall, this trailer’s feel is that of a political thriller film, leaning into the parts that made ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ work so well. It’s a very well edited trailer, with music that makes audiences feel the gravity of the situation. There are plenty of comic book references without being overbearing, which is just what Marvel Studios needs. Hopefully when ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ releases on February, 14, 2025 it can deliver on the promises setup in this trailer.
