In a new Why to Watch feature on JustWatch, actor Carl Lumbly reflects on the message at the heart of Captain America: Brave New World (2025), which arrived to Disney+ on May 28th, 2025. Returning as Isaiah Bradley, Lumbly describes the film as not just another superhero story—but a call to courage.
Here’s what Carl Lumbly, had to say about Captain America: Brave New World:
We live in a world that calls us to be brave every single day… and you have the choice to stand up or walk away. Captain America: Brave New World is a movie that encourages you to stand up wherever you are. While its story may be larger than life, it’s a deeply human tale that makes us ask questions about ourselves. – Carl Lumbly
Captain America: Brave New World marks the fourth installment in the Captain America film series, continuing the legacy with a bold new chapter.
About Carl Lumbly
From Alias to Justice League, and now Marvel’s first Black super soldier, Lumbly continues to carve out iconic roles with emotional resonance and integrity. His return in Brave New World promises one of the franchise’s most grounded and moving performances.
He is best known for M.A.N.T.I.S. and has also had television roles on Cagney & Lacey and Alias. He has also had roles in various superhero franchises including voicing Martian Manhunter in the DC Animated Universe.
What is Captain America: Brave New World all about?
Captain America: Brave New World continues Marvel’s legacy of action and morality, introducing new dimensions to the Captain America mantle while reconnecting with the emotional weight of legacy and justice. With Sam Wilson taking up the shield and Isaiah Bradley’s story coming full circle, the film speaks to both history and hope.
Brave New World is a significant entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, marking several important milestones and bringing back long-absent characters. Here are some interesting facts about the film:
1. Sam Wilson’s First Solo Film as Captain America: This movie is the first full-length feature film where Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson officially takes on the mantle of Captain America. His journey to becoming Cap was previously explored in the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”
2. Harrison Ford as U.S. President Thaddeus Ross: Legendary actor Harrison Ford steps into the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, who has now become the President of the United States. This marks a new chapter for the character, previously played by William Hurt. Ross’s relationship with Sam Wilson is a key dynamic in the film, especially considering their past interactions.
3. A “Sequel” to The Incredible Hulk (2008): “Brave New World” unexpectedly serves as a direct continuation of plot threads from “The Incredible Hulk.” This includes the return of:
4. Samuel Sterns (The Leader): Tim Blake Nelson reprises his role as Samuel Sterns, who, after being exposed to gamma radiation in The Incredible Hulk, has evolved into the super-intelligent villain known as The Leader. He is the main antagonist, orchestrating a complex conspiracy.
5. Betty Ross: Liv Tyler returns as Betty Ross, Bruce Banner’s love interest and Thaddeus Ross’s daughter, last seen in The Incredible Hulk.
6. Introduction of Adamantium: The film introduces adamantium into the MCU, a rare and incredibly durable metal. It’s found in the remnants of the Celestial Tiamut, which emerged from the Indian Ocean at the end of “Eternals.” This is a significant development, as adamantium is famously associated with Wolverine in the X-Men comics, hinting at future possibilities for the MCU.
7. New Falcon: With Sam Wilson becoming Captain America, his former role as the Falcon is taken up by U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Joaquin Torres (played by Danny Ramirez), who was introduced in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”
8. The Serpent Society: The film features the debut of the Serpent Society, a group of supervillains, as adversaries for Captain America. They are led by Seth Voelker, also known as Sidewinder, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito.
9. Red Hulk’s MCU Debut: Thaddeus Ross transforms into the Red Hulk in the film’s climax. This marks the long-awaited introduction of the powerful crimson character into the MCU.
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