Kevin Feige Thinks He Knows Why ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Failed At The Box Office

Captain America: Brave New World hit theaters with high expectations, but it didn’t quite live up to the legacy of its predecessors. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently shared his take on why the film struggled, pointing to one major factor: the absence of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers. In a roundtable discussion with Deadline and other outlets, Feige kept it short and sweet, saying the biggest hurdle was that this was “the first [Captain America film] without Chris Evans.” His words carried weight, hinting at the emotional and commercial void left by the original shield-wielder.

For years, Evans’ portrayal of Steve Rogers defined the Captain America franchise. From his scrappy underdog days in Captain America: The First Avenger to his world-shaking decisions in Civil War, Steve was the heart of the series. In Avengers: Endgame, he passed the iconic vibranium shield to Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, before stepping back for a quiet life with Peggy Carter. It was a heartfelt handoff, but Brave New World marked Sam’s first solo outing as the new Captain America—and it wasn’t an easy transition.

Directed by Julius Onah, known for The Cloverfield Paradox, the film follows Sam as he navigates his new role as Captain America. He’s joined by a solid supporting cast, including Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), and even Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross, who transforms into the Red Hulk. The ensemble also features Tim Blake Nelson, Rosa Salazar, and Liv Tyler, bringing plenty of star power. Yet, despite the talent involved, the movie didn’t connect with audiences the way Marvel hoped.

Financially, Brave New World fell short. With a production budget of $180 million, it pulled in $415.1 million globally, a respectable number but a far cry from the franchise’s past successes. For comparison, Captain America: The Winter Soldier raked in $714.1 million in 2014, and Civil War soared past $1.15 billion. The drop-off is stark, and Feige’s comment suggests that Evans’ absence was a key reason why fans didn’t show up in droves.

But was it just about missing Steve Rogers? Probably not. The film earned a lukewarm 46% on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting mixed reviews that likely dampened enthusiasm. Critics and fans alike noted that the story felt lackluster, failing to capture the emotional depth or thrilling stakes of earlier Captain America films. Some called it predictable, others said it lacked the spark that made The Winter Soldier a fan favorite. On top of that, Marvel’s rapid release schedule and the promise of a Disney+ debut roughly 90 days after theaters might have convinced some fans to skip the big screen altogether.

There’s also the broader context of “Marvel fatigue.” After years of dominating pop culture, the MCU has faced growing criticism for churning out too many projects, diluting the excitement that once surrounded each release. Brave New World had to compete not just with its own predecessors but with a crowded superhero landscape where audiences are pickier than ever. Sam Wilson’s journey as Captain America is compelling on paper—taking on systemic issues, honoring a legacy, and carving his own path—but the execution didn’t resonate as strongly as it could have.

Feige’s point about Evans’ absence carries truth, though. Steve Rogers was more than a character; he was a symbol of unwavering morality and grit. Fans grew attached to his story over a decade, and letting go isn’t easy. Anthony Mackie’s Sam is a worthy successor, bringing heart and conviction to the role, but the shift from Steve to Sam was always going to be a gamble. For some, the shield just doesn’t feel the same without Steve holding it.

Still, it’s worth noting that Brave New World isn’t a failure by every measure. It’s a bold step for the MCU, introducing a new Captain America and setting up future stories, like the Red Hulk arc. Mackie’s performance has been praised for its nuance, and the film tackles timely themes about leadership and identity. Yet, between middling reviews, a high budget, and the long shadow of Chris Evans, it’s clear why this chapter didn’t soar. The question now is whether Sam Wilson’s Captain America can win over fans in future outings—or if the MCU needs to rethink its approach to keep the shield shining.