The buzz around “Captain America: Brave New World” had been toxic … until recently.
The sequel finds Anthony Mackie taking over for Chris Evans as the star-spangled Avenger. The film endured high-profile “reshoots” as well as leaked reports of devastating test screenings.
Both gave the impression this “Brave New World” would be a “Marvels”-level dud.
In recent weeks, though, the buzz has died down.
The film’s recent trailer didn’t suffer blowback from Comic Con Nation. The Red Hulk subplot has comic readers intrigued, especially since screen legend Harrison Ford will be bringing him to life.
In fact. some media outlets report the film could earn north of $90 million in its opening weekend. That’s not “Avengers”-sized money but enough to suggest the franchise won’t crash and burn.
Mackie’s new viral gaffe just made everything worse. How much worse? We’ll find out on Feb. 14 when “Brave New World” hits theaters nationwide.
Suffice it to say Disney star Rachel Zegler would be impressed by this PR disaster.
Mackie, a credible star in his own right, had large shoes to fill as is. Evans’ Captain America became a beloved MCU figure, capturing the character’s stoic leadership.
Some fans don’t trust the character swap, thinking it’s Hollywood’s latest woke switcheroo. The shift has precedent in the Marvel Comics’ canon, though, and Evan’s Cap bowed out gracefully in “Avengers: Endgame.”
And then Mackie said this about the film and his iconic character.
“Captain America represents a lot of different things & I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations. It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity.”
The undated clip reminds us of how Warner Bros. treated the Superman reboot. The character’s classic line – “fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way” got clipped to appease woke sensibilities.
That “update” got shredded on social media and captured the disgust many fans have with the “new” take on classic heroes.
America in 2025 is pushing past those woke sentiments, typified by the re-election of President Donald Trump.
Now this.
X (AKA Twitter) went berserk with the Mackie clip. Here’s just a sample of the snarkier responses.
— The Bugle Daily (@TheBugleDaily1) January 28, 2025
— Matt Crawford (@crawf) January 28, 2025
Are you *trying* to tank your movie?
— Joanne Mason (@JoanneMason11) January 28, 2025
When DEI enters the chat for Captain America, make sure you don’t mention America as if it’s a good thing. I can’t wait for AI to replace these people. More than anyone else, they deserve it. Hollywood will be 100% AI sooner than you think.
— Patriotic Penguin
(@ElectPenguin) January 28, 2025
“Captain A Lot of Things” rolls right off the tongue
— George Alexopoulos (@GPrime85) January 28, 2025
The timing couldn’t be worse. The film is roughly two weeks from its release date and these memes will linger.
“Deadpool and Wolverine” brought the MCU back to life last summer. Will “Brave New World” bully past this PR body blow? Or might it prove the Merc with a Mouth was the exception to the superhero fatigue rule?
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