Captain America: Brave New World Enjoys $100M Opening
Marvel Studios is kicking off 2025 with a bang, and Captain America: Brave New World is leading the charge. The highly anticipated reboot, with Anthony Mackie as Captain America, has exceeded expectations with a $100 million opening in the US over the Valentine’s Day/Presidents Day weekend. The three-day total came in at $88.4 million, with global numbers rounding out to a jaw-dropping $192.4 million, thanks to a strong international $92.4 million debut.
This performance marks Brave New World as the biggest opening of 2025 so far, and it’s one of the best for the Presidents Day holiday weekend. But here’s the real kicker: even though the film faced some critical backlash, including a B- CinemaScore, it’s still managing to dominate. Critics may not be handing out glowing reviews, but fans are responding positively. The film has earned a solid 80% approval rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, showing that people are flocking to the theaters to catch the latest Marvel spectacle.
Diversity-Fuelled Debut
Why is Brave New World such a success? It’s not just about the action—it’s about the diversity that the film brings to the big screen. The movie boasts a cast that reflects a broad audience, and it’s paying off. Exit polling from PostTrak reveals that 23% of ticket buyers were Black, another 23% Latino, and 10% were Asian, with 35% Caucasian. This diverse mix is helping the film break away from the traditional superhero movie mold, with broad appeal across various demographics. Additionally, the film is resonating with male and female viewers, with a near even split of 62% male and 48% female audiences.
In Brave New World, Anthony Mackie takes over as the new Captain America, following in the footsteps of Chris Evans. Directed by Julius Onah, the film is a more grounded entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, staying away from the multiverse chaos and focusing instead on thrilling action and suspense. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, has described it as a “relatively grounded action film” that is reminiscent of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Mackie’s Sam Wilson faces off against a global conspiracy and comes head-to-head with President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, played by none other than Harrison Ford. The twist? Ross transforms into the Red Hulk, adding even more tension to the high-stakes battle.
Back in the Game
The movie’s success could be a sign that Marvel Studios is getting its groove back after several missteps with recent releases. Brave New World represents a fresh start, with a new Captain America and a direction that fans are embracing. With a performance like this at the box office, the future looks bright for Marvel, and Captain America is once again proving that it’s a force to be reckoned with.
