Captain America: Brave New World's Omission: Impact On The MCU's Future

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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The Absence of Sam Wilson's Internal Conflict: A Critical Gap

The most glaring issue with Captain America: Brave New World, as many critics and fans suggest, is the insufficient exploration of Sam Wilson's internal conflict as he steps into the role of Captain America. This omission represents a critical gap in the narrative, hindering the character's growth and impacting the future of the MCU.

Impact on Character Development

• Lack of internal struggle regarding his responsibility as Captain America: Previous iterations of Captain America, particularly Steve Rogers, showcased intense internal battles regarding their responsibilities and the weight of the shield. Sam's journey should have mirrored this, exploring his doubts, fears, and the immense pressure of upholding the legacy of such an iconic symbol. The film's lack of this internal struggle feels like a missed opportunity.
• Missed opportunity for exploring his relationship with legacy characters: The film could have delved deeper into Sam's relationship with Bucky Barnes, creating a dynamic duo reminiscent of Steve Rogers and Bucky's complex bond. This exploration of their shared history and differing approaches to heroism could have strengthened the narrative and added emotional depth.
• Limited growth and development compared to previous iterations of the Captain America character: Without the internal conflict, Sam's transformation into Captain America feels less earned. His journey lacks the depth and complexity that defined Steve Rogers's arc, making him a less compelling protagonist.

Ripple Effects on Future Storytelling

This omission has significant ripple effects on future MCU phases:

• Weakening of the connection to previous storylines: The lack of a strong internal conflict undermines the connection to the previous Captain America films and the established themes of legacy and responsibility.
• Limited potential for future character interactions and storylines: The underdeveloped character arc restricts the potential for engaging interactions with other MCU heroes and villains in future films.
• Reduced emotional resonance with audiences: Without a compelling internal struggle, Sam's journey lacks the emotional depth needed to connect with audiences on a meaningful level. This lack of connection could impact overall viewer engagement with the MCU.

Missed Opportunities for Exploring The Legacy of Captain America

Beyond Sam Wilson's personal struggles, Captain America: Brave New World misses crucial opportunities to explore the broader legacy of Captain America.

Thematic Inconsistencies

The film seems to inadvertently contradict previous thematic explorations of the Captain America legacy:

• Contrasting with Steve Rogers's character arc and ideals: Steve Rogers's journey was deeply rooted in his internal conflicts and moral compass. Sam's narrative, by omitting similar struggles, feels inconsistent with the established themes of the Captain America franchise.
• Undermining the importance of the shield and its symbolism: The shield is more than just a weapon; it represents ideals and a legacy. The film should have explored this symbolism more deeply, connecting it to Sam's journey and his understanding of the responsibility it entails.
• Lack of focus on the responsibility associated with the mantle of Captain America: The film downplays the weighty responsibility associated with being Captain America, failing to showcase the sacrifices and moral dilemmas inherent in the role.

Impact on Audience Engagement

The omission significantly impacts audience engagement and connection with the character:

• Potential for a feeling of incompleteness or dissatisfaction amongst fans: Fans invested in the MCU and the Captain America legacy might feel a sense of incompleteness due to the underdeveloped character arc.
• Negative reviews and impact on box office performance: The lack of sufficient character development could lead to negative reviews and potentially affect box office performance.
• Disconnection with the broader MCU narrative: The film’s shortcomings could weaken the overall connection between Captain America: Brave New World and the larger MCU narrative.

Potential Solutions and Future Considerations for the MCU

Addressing these shortcomings requires proactive measures from Marvel Studios.

Addressing the Omission in Future Projects

Future MCU movies or series could potentially address the identified omission:

• Retroactive explanations or expansions: Subsequent films could provide additional context or backstory to explain Sam's journey and his internal struggles.
• Focusing on the omission in subsequent films or shows: A dedicated sequel or a Disney+ series could explore the unexplored aspects of Sam's character arc.
• Re-evaluation of the Captain America character and his narrative arc: Marvel might need to revisit the character's arc and address the issues raised in this film to maintain consistency and audience engagement.

Improving Storytelling for Future Captain America Films

Moving forward, Marvel Studios needs to prioritize certain aspects:

• Emphasis on character development and internal conflict: Future Captain America films should prioritize character development, focusing on internal conflict and the emotional journey of the protagonist.
• Stronger thematic consistency within the MCU: The MCU needs to ensure thematic consistency across its various films and series, maintaining a cohesive narrative and avoiding inconsistencies.
• Prioritizing audience engagement and emotional connection: Marvel should focus on creating stories that resonate emotionally with audiences, fostering a deeper connection with characters and the overall narrative.

Conclusion

The lack of sufficient exploration of Sam Wilson's internal conflict in Captain America: Brave New World represents a significant omission with potentially damaging consequences for the MCU's future. This oversight weakens the connection to previous storylines, limits the potential for future character development, and risks diminishing audience engagement. Addressing this omission in future projects is crucial to restoring narrative consistency and ensuring the continued success of the MCU's Captain America franchise. What are your thoughts on the impact of this omission on the MCU’s future? Share your predictions on the future of Captain America and the MCU in the comments below!