The Real-World Inspirations Behind the Political Thriller Elements of ‘Captain America: Brave New World’

Marvel has never shied away from weaving real-world issues into its storytelling, but Captain America: Brave New World takes this to another level. Much like 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which critiqued mass surveillance and government overreach, Brave New World is being positioned as a paranoid political thriller steeped in contemporary global anxieties.

With a plot that involves President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) attempting to control superheroes while global tensions over the powerful metal Adamantium rise, the film mirrors modern debates about authoritarianism, AI surveillance, and geopolitical instability. Critics (though they’ve far from praised the film) have already pointed out its similarities to classic ’70s conspiracy thrillers like The Parallax View and All the President’s Men, reinforcing its more grounded and politically charged tone.

By reflecting on real-world conflicts, Brave New World stirs up discussions about power, control, and who gets to define justice.

The Role of Government in Superhero Affairs

One of the film’s most compelling themes is government control over superheroes—a subject the MCU has explored before with the Sokovia Accords but is now taking in a new direction. Just as governments in the real world wrestle with the balance between security and personal freedoms, Brave New World explores how superheroes—symbols of free will—become pawns in political agendas.

Real-World Parallels:

• The post-9/11 expansion of government surveillance programs, particularly through the NSA, and the ethical concerns surrounding military AI development.
• The increasing role of governments in regulating personal freedoms under the guise of national security, echoing real-world authoritarian trends.

MCU Context:

• President Ross, now the U.S. leader, is rumored to be reviving the Avengers—but this time, as a government-controlled strike force rather than independent heroes.
• His authoritarian streak aligns with real-world political figures who justify power consolidation as a necessity for national security.
• Brave New World critiques Ross’s leadership, portraying him as a figure with “red around the collar,” hinting at unchecked government power.

2. Superheroes as Political Symbols

From wartime propaganda to activist icons, powerful figures have always been used to push ideological narratives. Brave New World examines this concept through Sam Wilson’s Captain America and the legacy of the Super Soldier program. Superheroes, much like real-world leaders and activists, can be symbols of hope or tools of manipulation.

Real-World Parallels:

• Governments have historically co-opted soldiers, activists, and cultural icons to reinforce nationalistic narratives (e.g., Pat Tillman’s military service or Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy being framed within Western ideals).
• Ongoing debates over representation in leadership, especially concerning race, reflect the scrutiny Sam Wilson faces as a Black Captain America.

MCU Context:

• The film continues the themes explored in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, particularly the treatment of Isaiah Bradley, a Black Super Soldier who was erased from history, paralleling real cases like the Tuskegee experiments.
• Sam Wilson’s reluctance to be a government-controlled Captain America contrasts with Steve Rogers’ more traditional patriotism, highlighting changing attitudes toward institutional trust.

3. Global Power Struggles and the Race for Resources

At the heart of Brave New World’s conflict is Adamantium, a newly discovered resource that multiple world powers are vying to control. This storyline mirrors modern geopolitical tensions over valuable natural resources.

Real-World Parallels:

• The global scramble for resources like lithium (used in EV batteries), rare earth metals (vital for tech), and oil, which have fueled economic and military conflicts.
• The U.S.-China rivalry over semiconductor production and green energy dominance.

MCU Context:

• Adamantium is set to play a major role in Brave New World, much like Vibranium did in Black Panther. It represents not just power, but the political tension surrounding who gets to control it.
• The film depicts various nations and factions vying for Adamantium, reflecting how modern resource diplomacy often dictates global alliances and conflicts.

4. The Rise of Private Military and Intelligence Contractors

Governments aren’t the only ones shaping global conflicts—private military companies (PMCs) have become major players in modern warfare. Brave New World appears to tap into this growing real-world trend. The film’s depiction of mercenaries controlling superhero assets echoes how real-world governments rely on private forces to execute their more controversial agendas.

Real-World Parallels:

• The rise of PMCs like Wagner Group in Africa and Blackwater’s role in the Iraq War, showing how warfare is increasingly outsourced to private actors.
• Tech firms like Palantir providing military intelligence, raising concerns about privatized surveillance.
• PMCs now account for nearly 50% of U.S. defense spending, highlighting their growing influence.

MCU Context:

• The Serpent Society, led by Sidewinder, functions as a PMC in Brave New World, operating as deniable assets for global powers, much like Civil War’s Helmut Zemo.
• President Ross is rumored to have ties to covert operations, suggesting he may be leveraging PMCs for his own political goals.

5. Political Polarization and Public Distrust

Perhaps the most timely theme in Brave New World is how public trust in institutions is eroding, leading to deep divisions.

Real-World Parallels:

• Increasing political polarization over elections, COVID-19 policies, and media misinformation.
• Growing distrust in governments, media, and corporations, with surveys showing record-low confidence in institutions.

MCU Context:

• Sam Wilson struggles with public doubt as a non-superpowered Captain America, much like how modern leaders face scrutiny over their legitimacy.
• Ross’s eventual transformation into Red Hulk symbolizes how leaders exploit public fear and division to justify extreme measures.

Why Captain America: Brave New World Stands Out

What makes Captain America: Brave New World stand out from typical MCU fare is its willingness to engage with real-world issues. From resource conflicts and government surveillance to privatized warfare and political symbolism, the film asks hard questions about power and accountability.

Does that mean it’s a good film? Sadly, no. I wasn’t a big fan of the flick, and most critics seem to feel similar. But that being said, I do appreciate the conversations it brings up – about the true cost of control in an era where technology, private militaries, and government overreach blur the lines between protection and oppression.

What do you think? Have you seen the film? Planning to see it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. (But keep it classy, everyone!)