Summary
Captain America 4actor Tim Blake Nelson defended Marvel movies from Martin Scorsese’s criticisms. The actor also comparedCaptain America: Brave New Worldto one of the most critically acclaimed superhero movies.
Captain America: Brave New Worldwill mark Nelson’s return to the MCU for the first time since his initial appearance as Samuel Sterns, a.k.a. The Leader, in 2008’sThe Incredible Hulk. SinceThe Incredible Hulk’s release, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a box office and pop culture juggernaut, withThe MarvelsandAnt-Man 3being rare exceptionsthat bombed financially. As such, many revered filmmakers have criticized the MCU franchise, with Scorsese arguably being the most notable example. Now, Nelson has responded to Scorsese’s assertion that Marvel movies are not “cinema,” with specific praise directed toward theCaptain Americafilms.
During an interview withVariety, Nelson discussed returning to the MCU to playThe Leader inCaptain America 4after nearly 20 years. The fan-favorite actor also rejected the belief that the MCU’s best days are behind it. “Marvel is an unheard-of phenomenon in movie history. Kevin Feige and his studio created dozens of connected movies that exist in one cinematic universe, to use their term. There’s no comparable achievement. So no – I don’t think it’s over,” Nelson said before calling theCaptain Americafilms the “most grounded” of the MCU franchise, comparable to director James Mangold’sLogan. “This is going to be a wonderful movie.”
Nelson also explained why he disagreed with Scorsese’s assessment of Marvel movies and comic book films. The Academy Award-winning director insisted Marvel movies were more akin to theme park rides than high art. However, while Nelson admits Marvel movies may not be on par with some of cinema’s most celebrated works, he outlined why they have their merits. Similar to howElizabeth Olsen defended the crew of Marvel movies, Nelson noted that there is “artistry” involved in making Marvel movies:
I couldn’t respect Martin Scorsese more, he’s his own genre, but I disagree with him when he derides Marvel. I come down on the side of Marvel movies absolutely being cinema. They return us to being kids again. When they are really good, and they often are, you lose yourself in them. Are they profound? Are they ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘Miller’s Crossing,’ are they ‘Bicycle Thieves,’ ‘Schindler’s List’ or Kieślowski? No, but they aren’t aspiring to be. They are entertainment and there’s artistry involved in them.
Comparing theCaptain Americafranchise toLogansets a high bar for the film.Mangold’sLoganwas a largely self-containedsuperhero film that eschewed traditional comic-book movie standards in favor of a more character-driven Western-style drama. Moviegoers and critics praisedLoganfor its action, performances, and emotional weight, making it the highest-ratedX-Menfilm on Rotten Tomatoes (as of this writing).Loganeven earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, a first for a live-action superhero film, and was named one of the 10 best films of 2017 by the National Board of Review.
Nelson’s claims aren’t unfounded.Captain America: The Winter SoldierandCivil Warare among the best-reviewed MCU films.Captain America: The Winter Soldierwas applauded for successfully combining the superhero and conspiracy thriller genres.Civil Warwas similarly praised for doing the same while delivering the spectacle expected of a superhero film featuring a large ensemble cast of characters pitted against each other.
Of course, the first threeCaptain Americafilms had a different team behind them, with Chris Evans in the eponymous role.Brave New Worldmarks Anthony Mackie’s first big-screen appearance as the new Captain America following his ascension to the role in the Disney Plus seriesThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier. But Mackie has proven himself in the role as an actor, and with Nelson’s remarks, perhapsBrave New Worldwill joinDeadpool and Wolverinein breathing new life into the MCU after a weak run.
Captain America: Brave New Worldis scheduled to be released in theaters on July 16, 2025.
Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America: Brave New World (formerly titledNew World Order)marks Sam Wilson’s first MCU big-screen appearance as Steve Rogers' successor after receiving the suit and shield in Phase 4’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Anthony Mackie returns as the titular Avenger alongside Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Carl Lumby as Isaiah Bradley, and Tim Blake Nelson as The Incredible Hulk’s former ally Samuel Sterns. Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.
