The cinematic universe of Marvel has entered a new chapter with the release of Brave New World, marking a significant milestone in the franchise. After six years since Sam Wilson took over the iconic vibranium shield from Steve Rogers, this film finally showcases the former Falcon stepping into the role as the new Captain America. Directed by Julius Onah, the movie not only initiates a trio of major releases for 2025 but also signals a return to more grounded storytelling after several multiverse-focused adventures. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film has made an impressive start at the box office.

The opening weekend saw Brave New World rake in a robust $192 million globally, with $100 million coming from U.S. audiences and $92.4 million from international markets. This performance surpassed initial forecasts and even outperformed the domestic opening of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. While it falls short of blockbusters like Deadpool & Wolverine, which opened with a staggering $444 million, it is a vast improvement over the underwhelming box office results of The Marvels. The success of this launch sets a positive tone for the remainder of the year, especially considering the substantial budget of $180 million.

The future of Brave New World remains uncertain as it must achieve a total gross between $400 to $500 million to be considered a hit. With a CinemaScore rating of 'B-', the lowest for any MCU film, the audience reception will play a crucial role in its continued success. Harrison Ford’s star power as President Ross / Red Hulk may help draw more viewers in the coming weeks. As the MCU looks forward to the rest of the year, all eyes are on whether Sam Wilson can maintain this momentum and what other surprises the franchise might have in store. This film represents not just a new era for Captain America but also a hopeful sign for the broader Marvel universe.