Harrison Ford Speaks Out About the Failure of the Movie *Captain America: Brave New World* (2025) with His Presence and the New Generation of Captains

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has long been a juggernaut in the entertainment industry, delivering blockbuster hits and iconic characters that have captivated audiences worldwide. However, not every entry in the franchise has been met with universal acclaim. The latest installment, *Captain America: Brave New World* (2025), has sparked significant debate and disappointment among fans and critics alike. Adding his voice to the conversation is Hollywood legend Harrison Ford, who joined the MCU as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in this film. Ford has openly shared his thoughts on the movie’s shortcomings, its impact on the new generation of Captains, and the challenges of integrating veteran actors into the ever-expanding superhero universe.

*Captain America: Brave New World* marks Anthony Mackie’s first full-fledged outing as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, following his symbolic acceptance of the shield in *Avengers: Endgame*. The film also introduces Harrison Ford as the new Thaddeus Ross, taking over the role from the late William Hurt. With a star-studded cast and high expectations, the movie was poised to be a major success. However, it has been criticized for its lackluster script, uneven pacing, and failure to fully develop its characters and themes. Despite Ford’s gravitas and Mackie’s charisma, the film has been labeled one of the MCU’s rare missteps.

Harrison Ford, known for his candidness, did not shy away from addressing the film’s shortcomings. In a recent interview, Ford expressed his disappointment with how *Brave New World* turned out. “I was excited to be part of the MCU and to work with such a talented group of people,” Ford said. “But I think we missed the mark with this one. The story didn’t have the depth or the emotional resonance that it needed. It felt like we were trying to do too much without giving any of it the attention it deserved.”

Ford’s comments highlight a recurring criticism of the film: its attempt to juggle multiple plotlines and characters without fully exploring any of them. *Brave New World* introduces several new elements, including the rise of the Serpent Society, the political intrigue surrounding Thaddeus Ross’s presidency, and Sam Wilson’s struggle to define his legacy as Captain America. However, these threads often feel underdeveloped, leaving audiences disconnected and unsatisfied. Ford’s portrayal of Ross, while commanding, was reportedly limited by the script’s lack of depth, preventing the character from reaching his full potential.

Another point of contention is the film’s handling of the new generation of Captains. Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson was expected to take center stage, solidifying his place as the rightful successor to Steve Rogers. While Mackie delivered a strong performance, many felt that the script did not provide him with the material needed to fully shine. The emotional weight of Sam’s journey—his grappling with the legacy of the shield and his role as a symbol of hope—was often overshadowed by action sequences and plot contrivances. This has led to criticism that the film failed to honor the legacy of Captain America while also not fully embracing the potential of its new hero.

Harrison Ford also touched on the challenges of integrating veteran actors like himself into the MCU. “The MCU is a well-oiled machine, but it’s also a very specific kind of storytelling,” Ford explained. “It’s not always easy to find your place in that world, especially when you’re coming in as an older actor. I think they tried to give me something meaningful to do, but it didn’t quite land.” Ford’s comments reflect a broader issue within the MCU: balancing the introduction of new characters and storylines with the need to maintain the franchise’s cohesive narrative.

Despite the film’s shortcomings, Ford expressed optimism about the future of the MCU and the new generation of Captains. “Anthony Mackie is a fantastic actor, and he’s got what it takes to carry the shield,” Ford said. “I think this movie was a bump in the road, but it doesn’t define what’s next for Captain America or the MCU. There’s still a lot of potential there, and I hope they learn from this experience.”

The failure of *Captain America: Brave New World* serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in maintaining a franchise as vast and complex as the MCU. While the film may not have lived up to expectations, it has sparked important conversations about storytelling, character development, and the direction of the franchise. As the MCU moves forward, it will need to address these issues to ensure that its future projects resonate with audiences and honor the legacy of its iconic characters.

For Harrison Ford, *Brave New World* may not have been the triumphant MCU debut he hoped for, but his willingness to speak candidly about its flaws demonstrates his commitment to the craft and his respect for the audience. As for Anthony Mackie, the journey of Sam Wilson as Captain America is far from over. With the right script and direction, there’s no doubt that he can rise to the occasion and prove why he is worthy of the shield. After all, as Steve Rogers once said, “The price of freedom is high, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay.” The same can be said for the legacy of Captain America—it’s a legacy worth fighting for, even in the face of setbacks.