Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in Marvel’s Captain America saga, has sparked heated debate since its February 14, 2025, release. Starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, the film has faced mixed reviews, earning a 48% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Screenwriter Rob Edwards recently responded to fans’ negative feedback, inviting them to share their reasons for disliking the movie. His comments have ignited discussions about the film’s quality, its place in the MCU, and the challenges of pleasing a divided fanbase.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has long been a juggernaut in superhero cinema, but Captain America: Brave New World has proven to be one of its most polarizing entries. With Sam Wilson taking up the shield as the new Captain America, the film was expected to carry forward the legacy of iconic predecessors like The Winter Soldier and Civil War. Instead, it has faced criticism for its narrative choices and execution. In response, screenwriter Rob Edwards, one of six writers credited on the project, has publicly addressed detractors, sparking a broader conversation about the film’s reception and the future of the MCU.
A Polarizing Addition to the MCU
Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson as he uncovers an international conspiracy involving President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford), who transforms into the Red Hulk. The film, directed by Julius Onah, aimed to establish Sam as a worthy successor to Steve Rogers. However, its 48% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes places it among the MCU’s lowest-rated films, alongside Eternals (47%) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (46%). Audience reactions are more favorable, with a 79% Popcornmeter score and enthusiastic posts on X praising its action and emotional depth.
Rob Edwards, known for his work on Disney’s Treasure Planet and The Princess and the Frog, addressed the criticism in a candid statement shared via X by user @dailyaffairs12: “If you didn’t like the movie, tell me why. I want to know that more than anything.” His willingness to engage directly with fans has been both praised and scrutinized, highlighting the challenges of navigating fan expectations in the MCU’s Phase 5.
Edwards’ Defense: “You Missed Something”
In an interview with The Direct at WonderCon 2025, Edwards expressed surprise at the critical backlash, even from peers in the industry. “I told them, ‘I think you missed something. You got it wrong,’” he said. He emphasized the positive reactions from theatergoers, noting, “People come up to me saying, ‘I didn’t just like it—I’m bringing my family back next week. I’ve seen it multiple times. It’s a really fun movie.’ That’s what you want as a filmmaker.”
Edwards also addressed rumors about the film’s troubled production, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, SAG-AFTRA strikes, and extensive reshoots. Speaking to Who Let Us Out, he clarified, “There’s this myth that the film underwent massive changes, but that’s not entirely true. It just took time to get right.” Despite these challenges, the core story—Sam Wilson’s journey as a non-superpowered Captain America—remained intact.
Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It
Social media platforms, particularly X, reveal a stark divide among fans. Supporters laud the film for portraying Sam as a grounded, relatable hero. One X post read, “Sam Wilson brings aspiration, not just belief, like Steve did. His face-off with Red Hulk was moving.” Others, however, criticize the film’s convoluted plot and lack of focus. A Reddit thread in r/MauLer complained, “Why can’t Marvel admit when they make a bad movie? Brave New World feels like a patchwork of ideas.” Some fans noted that the film requires familiarity with The Incredible Hulk (2008) and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), which may alienate casual viewers.
Box Office Success and Sam Wilson’s Future
Despite the mixed reviews, Captain America: Brave New World has grossed over $413 million globally, surpassing Captain America: The First Avenger ($370 million) but falling short of Civil War ($1.15 billion). It has remained in the U.S. domestic box office top 10 for seven consecutive weeks, signaling strong audience interest. The film is expected to hit digital platforms by late April 2025 and Disney+ in May.
Edwards hinted at Sam Wilson’s future in the MCU, particularly in Avengers: Doomsday. “He’s Captain America now, so he’s calling some shots. I’d bet he’ll be rallying the Avengers,” he told Collider. With Thunderbolts set for release on May 2, 2025, the broader implications of Brave New World’s story are likely to unfold further.
Misunderstood or Misstep?
Edwards’ assertion that critics “got it wrong” raises questions about the subjective nature of art. As MovieWeb noted, “Saying critics are wrong for disliking a film overlooks the diversity of perspectives that art invites.” Yet history shows that films like Blade Runner and Fight Club, initially panned, later became classics. Could Brave New World follow a similar path? Its upcoming streaming release may provide a chance for reassessment.
Conclusion
Captain America: Brave New World may not have won over all critics or fans, but it has undeniably left a mark on the MCU. Rob Edwards’ call for fans to explain their dislike reflects both his confidence in the film and a desire to connect with its audience. As Sam Wilson continues to define his role as Captain America, the film’s legacy—whether as a misunderstood gem or a flawed chapter—remains to be seen. For now, Edwards’ openness to dialogue keeps the conversation alive, inviting fans to look beyond the shield and into the heart of the story.
