With Sam Wilson as Captain America, taking flight is the hero’s new standard, and our hearts are soaring with excitement for his first solo film!
At D23 Brazil on Saturday, Marvel debuted the official poster and full trailer for Captain America: Brave New World. The poster is a relatively simple concept but still astonishing, and the trailer for the film, set for release on Feb. 14, 2025, is packed with action and intrigue. But, amidst the thrills, certain aspects stand out more.
Here’s what we love most about the Captain America: Brave New World trailer and official poster:
A Comic Book Cover Homage
The Marvel Cinematic Universe draws inspiration from a vast comic universe but still has its own spin on Marvel characters and narratives. Even so, seeing direct references from Marvel Comics in Marvel Studios projects is always fun, and the official poster for Captain America: Brave New World is a new instance of that.
Featuring Captain America using his shield to block and protect himself from an impending punch via Red Hulk’s fist with sparks flying from the shield at the contact point, the film’s poster pays homage to the cover for Captain America (1968) #230. That particular comic book issue is about the Steve Rogers iteration of Captain America and not Sam Wilson, who was still Falcon. The storyline and relevance of Hulk in that comic book also differ from the upcoming Captain America movie. Even so, the reference is cool, and it’s nice to see the comics honored beyond strict adaptations.
A Black Captain America
The opening for the full Captain America: Brave New World trailer is bittersweet because Isaiah Bradley being back is great, but the way in which we see him is heartbreaking.
The Black Super Soldier made his MCU debut in Disney+’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. In the series, Isaiah starts out as an understandably resentful man whose past with the government and the Super Soldier Serum and his erasure from history has caused him trauma. When speaking with Sam about this, Isaiah tells him, “They will never let a Black man be Captain America. And even if they did, no self-respecting Black man would ever wanna be.” It’s an incredibly powerful moment about a harsh reality but one that Sam has dared to defy. Because, as we know, Sam does become Captain America. He reclaims the mantle and accepts his role as that hero.
So, even though Isaiah’s initial appearance in the Captain America: Brave New World trailer centers around his inability to remember his outburst and attack on President Thaddeus Ross during a White House event, hearing him call Sam the endearing “Cap” nickname is heartwarming. The pain and sacrifices Isaiah experienced have led to a Black man being acknowledged and accepted by the public as Captain America. Isaiah, himself, has been proven wrong — in the best way possible.
Split Screen Contrast
The use of a split screen is a visual motif of the Captain America: Brave New World trailer that elevates the movie’s intrigue and divide. It’s introduced as an active element, the black line moving down to create two halves of the visual and help set the tone for conflict and division. Later, the black line is reintroduced in the opposite way: moving up to create the split.
Sometimes, the two visuals offer different perspectives of the same scene. Other times, the dual imagery is of different moments in different settings. But the most memorable and impactful use of the graphic element? When the left features President Ross and the right features Steve Rogers, making it explicit that the two don’t align.
“When Captain America Throws His Mighty Shield”
Dare we say seeing Sam in action as Captain America is the best part of the Captain America: Brave New World trailer? Because, while he may not be a Super Soldier, Sam is still strong, physically skilled, and athletic. At first, Sam throwing his shield mid-flight to stop missiles was the best action moment. But then he topped it with an even more awesome, jaw-dropping moment when facing off against Red Hulk.
With complete confidence and no fear, Sam dares Red Hulk to “come and get (him)” — which is crazy to even think about, because who CHOOSES to provoke a Hulk? But we’ve got to say, it’s well worth it. When Red Hulk responds by swatting a flaming car at him, Captain America retaliates by flipping and simultaneously using one of his Vibranium wings to slice the vehicle in half.
Turning Red
No, this part isn’t about the Pixar movie of the same name about a 13-year-old fangirl going through puberty. But we were absolutely fangirling about seeing President Ross turning into Red Hulk! Because even if we aren’t rooting for him, we’ve got to admit it’s still exciting to see. The Captain America: Brave New World trailer features a glimpse at the moment Ross (seemingly) first turns into the enraged character and also offers a full look at him. The CGI looks phenomenal and resembles Harrison Ford well.
Another Captain America Political Thriller
From the pace and tempo to the background audio, the Captain America: Brave New World trailer exudes the energy of a political thriller. You can feel the constant intensity and uneasiness that’s ever-present. It’s obvious in Isaiah Bradley’s discomfort and shaky movements after being taken into custody following his attack on President Ross. It’s evident when Sam works through this mystery of a mission. It’s clear when President Ross admits, “I don’t want a variable out there that I can’t control.”
Just from the trailer alone, we know this movie will give us so much anxiety. But that simply elevates the excitement levels!
