Despite mixed reviews, one undeniable highlight of Captain America: Brave New World is its action sequences. With the introduction of Red Hulk (Harrison Ford) and The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson), alongside Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) donning wings as the new Captain America, the fights in this film stand out from both the previous Captain America movies and the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for Captain America: Brave New World.
Blending the intense, grounded combat of past films with high-flying aerial stunts, the action in Brave New World delivers thrilling moments. From Sam Wilson surfing on a missile to his brutal showdown with Red Hulk, these battles redefine the Captain America legacy.
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6. Captain America Secures the Package From Copperhead
An explosive start to the film!
The film kicks off with a mission in Mexico where Sam Wilson and his strike team—including the new Falcon, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez)—attempt to prevent the illegal sale of Adamantium by the evil organization SERPENT. Sam’s combat style blends his Falcon agility with his new Captain America shield, making for a unique and visually engaging fight.
As he pursues SERPENT’s leader, Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito), Sam faces off against the formidable assassin Copperhead (Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson). This brutal, grounded battle sets the tone for the film, highlighting Sam’s struggles without the Super Soldier Serum.
5. Sam and Joaquin Break Out of Camp Echo-1
Close-quarters combat at its best!
While Sam’s aerial abilities shine in the film, this intense escape sequence showcases his and Joaquin’s hand-to-hand combat skills. Trapped in The Leader’s secret lab, Camp Echo-1, the duo must battle through waves of mind-controlled soldiers as the villain makes his getaway.
With high-stakes moments, including Sam using his shield creatively in tight spaces, this sequence adds variety to the film’s action. The tension escalates as they navigate through hallways, racing against time to stop The Leader from reaching President Ross.
4. First Attack on the White House
Isaiah Bradley’s shocking betrayal!
Just as things seem to be going well for Sam, Joaquin, and Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), The Leader’s mind-control scheme activates, turning key figures—including Isaiah—against them. This sequence reveals the true extent of Isaiah’s strength, which had been hinted at earlier in the film.
Sam’s emotional struggle to subdue Isaiah while also protecting world leaders adds an intense layer to the battle. This scene effectively ties the mind-control plot to Sam’s personal journey, making for a gripping confrontation.
3. Ambush From Sidewinder
A scene with serious Winter Soldier vibes!
After escaping Mexico, Sidewinder resurfaces to ambush Sam during a high-speed assassination attempt. What begins as a vehicular attack quickly escalates into a brutal hand-to-hand brawl, showcasing Sidewinder’s lethal efficiency.
The fight transitions to a junkyard, where Sam uses his wits to create cover with a car battery’s electrical discharge. Sidewinder’s dialogue offers key insights into The Leader’s plans, making this battle not only thrilling but narratively significant.
2. Battle for Celestial Island
Marvel finally acknowledges the giant Celestial in the ocean!
Fans had long speculated about when Marvel would address the aftermath of Eternals, and Brave New World delivers. As global superpowers race to claim Adamantium from the Celestial Island, The Leader manipulates American fighter jets into attacking foreign nations, escalating global tensions.
Sam and Joaquin spring into action to prevent an international catastrophe. Highlights include Red Wing attaching to Sam’s shield for independent movement and Sam literally surfing on a missile. This sequence delivers breathtaking aerial combat and high-stakes storytelling.
1. Captain America vs. Red Hulk
Ross finally reveals his monstrous side!
Although heavily marketed, Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk remains the film’s biggest twist. As expected, this fight delivers brutal, high-impact action, pushing Sam to his absolute limits.
This battle exemplifies Sam’s vulnerability as a hero without the Super Soldier Serum. Red Hulk mercilessly overpowers him, forcing Sam to rely on strategy rather than brute strength. The destruction of the White House adds a dramatic visual spectacle, making this the film’s most intense and unforgettable fight.
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Captain America: Brave New World raises the bar for MCU action, offering a mix of grounded combat and high-flying spectacle. With intense fights, emotional stakes, and stunning visuals, these sequences cement Sam Wilson’s place as a worthy successor to Steve Rogers.
