Captain America: Brave New World has made its grand entrance, and with it, we are seeing a fresh face take on the mantle of Captain America. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic superhero. While some have referred to the movie as a sequel to The Incredible Hulk, fans recognize that the events surrounding the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are deeply intertwined with Captain America’s story. In fact, the creation of the Hulk was an unintended consequence of the Super Soldier Serum project, which Captain America was deeply involved in. Therefore, the Hulk’s creation is, in a way, a by-product of Captain America’s saga. This movie brings closure to the long-running narrative of Captain America and the Super Soldier Serum in a satisfying way.
Easter Eggs and References
No Marvel movie is complete without its hidden references and Easter eggs. Let’s dive into some of the most intriguing moments and subtle nods from Captain America: Brave New World:
- General Ross’s Secrets The movie opens with General Ross in a dimly lit shot, hinting that he’s hiding something monumental. The final shot of Ross in full light signals that his secrets are no longer hidden. This shift reflects his evolving role in the narrative. Additionally, Ross’s mention of the “Snap” and the “Blip” in his speech ties back to the universe’s larger events, and his reference to Tiamut (the Celestial) sheds light on his understanding of cosmic forces.
- A Callback to the Incredible Hulk A quick recap of the Incredible Hulk film is woven into the storyline. Sam’s visit to a bar, where the remnants of Red Hulk’s destruction are felt, pays tribute to General Ross’s obsession with capturing the Hulk. This scene reminds us of the fallout from the creation of the Abomination and the toll it took on General Ross’s character development.
- Sam’s New Suit & Abilities A cool and functional detail is introduced with Sam’s new suit, which allows him to reach supersonic speeds. This upgrade makes sense, as the previous suit did not have this capability. A highlight of the movie is Sam’s ability to deflect bullets with his shield, just like Steve Rogers did, and even more impressively, Sam uses vibranium wings that store kinetic energy and release it for offensive purposes, a nod to Black Panther’s technology.
- Serpent Society & Comic References Fans of the comics will recognize the presence of the Serpent Society, a group that Sam and his partner Torres first face in the comics. Though the costumes are not the same, the reference is clear, especially with the yellow accents in the outfits. The movie also touches on Sam’s aerial combat style, reflecting his past appearances in previous films.
- The Parallels with Steve Rogers Sam’s journey mirrors that of Steve Rogers in many ways. From fighting without a shield to mimicking iconic moves, Sam proves himself a worthy successor to Captain America. This film even gives a nod to historical figures like Isaiah Bradley, the first Black Captain America in the comics. Through subtle visual cues, the movie celebrates Isaiah’s legacy.
- President Ross and Recasting The removal of General Ross’s mustache symbolizes his transformation in this film. For those familiar with the MCU, William Hurt, who previously portrayed Ross, was replaced with Harrison Ford. This subtle change mirrors real-world political dynamics, as no U.S. president has had a mustache since 1913, making it a nod to the American political system.
- A Hint Towards Avengers: Secret Wars The movie concludes with a tease for the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars storyline, where different versions of Earth’s heroes will clash in a multiversal conflict. Fans of the comics will recognize this as an exciting setup for what’s to come in the MCU’s future.
Character Moments and Symbolism
- The Legacy of Sam Wilson Throughout the film, Sam embodies the spirit of Captain America, while simultaneously carving out his own path. His quick thinking, his fight strategies, and his relationship with other characters like Torres, Isaiah Bradley, and even the President, all serve to underline the theme of legacy and evolution. His journey proves that it’s not just about the shield; it’s about the person who wields it.
- References to Comic Book History From the Serpent Society to the inclusion of characters like Red Hulk, Brave New World is filled with references that longtime Marvel fans will appreciate. The mention of the “Emergence of Selatin Mass,” the nod to Japanese influence, and the subtle reference to Weapon X provide a deep dive into Marvel’s expansive history, while also laying the groundwork for future MCU events.
- Red Hulk’s Debut The transformation of General Ross into Red Hulk was a major moment in the film. His introduction was grounded, yet explosive, hinting at the destructive potential of the character. While Red Hulk’s abilities are toned down for this film, the visual and narrative parallels to previous Hulk moments in the MCU are undeniable.
Conclusion
Captain America: Brave New World is not just a film about a new Captain America; it’s a film that closes multiple chapters in the MCU, while setting up many new ones. With its intricate references, subtle nods to comic history, and bold new direction for Sam Wilson, it’s a movie that rewards both casual viewers and longtime Marvel fans. The film expertly balances action, character development, and deep cuts from Marvel’s vast lore, making it a must-watch for anyone invested in the MCU.
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This blog post captures the essence of the film while tying in crucial details for readers who are interested in a deeper exploration of Captain America: Brave New World. It balances the action with thoughtful analysis of character arcs, references, and the movie’s connection to broader MCU lore.