Why the New Captain America Film Disappoints the Comic’s Loyalists

It has been only a month since Captain America: Brave New World was released. Sadly, indicators already seem disappointing. 

According to Digital Spy, the movie has grossed around $289 million until now. The film won’t lose money as its budget was reportedly $180 million. However, it may be one of the worst-performing Captain America movies in recent times. Let us put this in context: Deadpool & Wolverine grossed $1.3 billion in 2024.

Adapting comic books to movies has always been challenging. The two are different mediums, often with distinct audiences and preferences. However, the franchise has done well previously – films like Captain America: The First Avenger and Winter Soldier were successful at the box office.

In addition to not wowing moviegoers, the latest edition of Captain America also disappointed ardent followers of the comic. So, what exactly went wrong? Let us try to identify the pain points with the newest production from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Here’s why we surmise the movie failed to get America’s ultimate savior his fair due.

Poor Connection to Captain America’s Mythos

As comic book loyalists, a substantial part of the thrill of movie-watching comes from seeing our favorite storylines represented on the big screen. 

The Captain America books are replete with captivating tales. The Hero That Was told a spellbinding origin story. It reflected the true heroism of the Captain and charmed us with its sincere dialogue. Even Madbomb, with its experimentation and unique ideas, had infectious energy. Cap and the Falcon got their mission from the President to protect the country’s future. It was exhilarating stuff.

However, instead of picking one of these incredible storylines from the books, the movie attempts an awkward connection with The Incredible Hulk and the Eternals. It doesn’t take off. In other words, many viewers felt it didn’t seem like a Captain America film, which says a lot. 

We’ll be fair and attribute part of this disconnect to the casting change, wherein Anthony Mackie replaced Chris Evans. It can take a while for such a substantial change to sink in since Evans portrayed the role in multiple films. Plus, why place more expectations of saving us on a Black superhero? It is out of sync with the book series’s premise. Also, it is unjust. 

Fails to Capture the Charm of the Comics

It may seem like a standard gripe for films adapted from books. However, consider an endearing and powerful film like Wonder Woman and how it brilliantly added freshness to the DC Extended Universe. The Japanese Death Note stayed true to the darkness and psychedelic nature of the manga series. Both grasped the soul of their source material brilliantly. 

On the other hand, the new CA movie lacks the charm of the book’s original artwork and engaging writing. It is a serious oversight for comic book films since readers in this group are often passionate. 

Many of us go to various lengths to collect our copies. We make precious deals with friends or buy and sell comics online. A film that does not justify the book’s unique elements will likely disappoint.

Furthermore, Collider calls the screenplay and dialogue stiff and expository, making the proceedings dull for much of the runtime. Writing and pulling off funny one-liners in movies can be dicey, but the MCU has previously succeeded with classics like Guardians Of The Galaxy.

Limited Depth and Character Development

In this age of CGI, movies can bring any situation to life. It can be enthralling to see storylines we have read about come alive. But it hurts when the movie version sidesteps the depth and richness of character development we expected.

Cap has been a part of the reading journey for many book lovers. Its engaging plots and heroic protagonist got many readers hooked. Even today, many aficionados lovingly admire their collection of old Captain America titles. YouSellComics.com notes that it is common for avid readers to save for that holy grail comic they wish to add to their collection.

The Marvel universe has thousands of comics, and we get only a handful of movies every few years. Moreover, Captain America: Brave New World ran into controversial waters early on, with anti-woke circles objecting to its themes of diversity and inclusion. 

Amid all this, where is the scope to experience the richness of characterization in the corresponding comic books? It makes many readers miss the depth lying in pages, no matter how flashy things may appear on the screen. 

The void is particularly palpable in light of the movie’s military fetishism, as IGN calls it. Re-inventing the backstories of so many characters affects the film’s credibility. In the books, Captain America is anything but a blind supporter of the government or the current regime. The lack of political nuance in the movie affects the vision of Cap that readers have come to love.

Keep these two contenders on a weighing scale: interwoven, long-term storylines and a two-hour rollercoaster ride. For many comic book readers, the scales tip toward the former, especially for an immersive series like CA.

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