‘Captain America: Brave New World’s Record-Breaking Runtime Revealed

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Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America

Credit: Marvel Studios

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to monumental shifts and surprising developments, and the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World is no exception. Between reshoots and swirling rumors about Sebastian Stan’s potential future as Captain America, the MCU continues to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America using his shield
Credit: Marvel Studios

Brave New World Production

Marvel Studios is known for its attention to detail, but the production of Captain America: Brave New World has seemingly been anything but smooth sailing. Directed by Julius Onah, the movie has undergone extensive reshoots—which is normal for the studio—but comments from Samuel Sterns/Leader actor Tim Blake Nelson suggest it was essentially shot twice.

While reshoots are standard for blockbusters of this scale, the reshoots came after reported extremely negative test screenings, which has left fans concerned about the upcoming movie.

Despite these challenges, the film remains an intriguing entry in the MCU. Anthony Mackie takes center stage in his first solo outing as Captain America, having inherited the shield from Steve Rogers in Avengers: Endgame (2019) and solidified his role in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Early glimpses of the film hint at a storyline rooted in global upheaval and shifting power dynamics—and, of course, the debut of Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, AKA Red Hulk.

Harrison Ford as President Ross in Captain America: Brave New World
Credit: Marvel Studios

Where’s Bucky?

One glaring omission from the Brave New World trailers and promotional materials is Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, a character long associated with Captain America’s journey. Mackie himself hinted at Bucky’s absence, joking that he wouldn’t have his “friends” on set this time around—a nod to both Stan’s Barnes and Daniel Brühl’s enigmatic Baron Zemo.

But fans hoping to see Bucky again may not be disappointed for long. Reports suggest that Stan will make a cameo in Brave New World, potentially setting the stage for his involvement in Thunderbolts*, Marvel’s dark and gritty ensemble film coming later in 2025. While his screen time in Brave New World might be brief, it seems the Winter Soldier’s story is far from over.

Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) holding the Captain America shield
Credit: Marvel Studios

It also seems that the movie as a whole will be brief as its reported run time positions it in the top ten of shortest MCU titles. According to movie theater listings, Captain America: Brave New World comes in at 1 hour 58 minutes, placing it joint sixth as one of the shortest movies in Kevin Feige’s MCU, alongside Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018).

Ahead of the fourth Captain America movie are The Incredible Hulk (1 hour 52 minutes), Thor: The Dark World (1 hour 52 minutes), Thor (1 hour 55 minutes), Doctor Strange (1 hour 55 minutes), and the first Ant-Man movie (1 hour 57 minutes). It also breaks the record for the shortest Captain America franchise movie, with the three other entries coming in above two hours.

Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America
Credit: Marvel Studios

Captain America’s Future

A big surprise came during Sebastian Stan’s recent appearance at Tokyo Comic-Con. Raising Captain America’s iconic shield, Stan teased the crowd, saying, “Not Captain America…yet.”

Longtime Marvel fans know that in the comics, Bucky Barnes has taken up the Captain America mantle—a narrative twist that could make its way to the big screen. Could this be foreshadowing for the MCU’s next Avengers movies, Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)?

Sebastian Stan, who first joined the MCU in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, has become a steadfast defender of Marvel’s place in cinema. Addressing recent criticism of the franchise, Stan said, “It’s become really convenient to pick on [Marvel films].

And that’s fine. Everyone’s got an opinion. But they’re a big part of what contributes to this business… This is an artery traveling through the system of this entire machinery that’s Hollywood.”

L-R: David Harbour as Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Sebastian Stan as Bucky, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, and Wyatt Russell as John Walker
Credit: Marvel Studios

What’s Next for the Winter Soldier?

Looking ahead, Stan will headline Thunderbolts*, which brings together an ensemble of misfit characters at low points in their lives. Alongside Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and David Harbour’s Red Guardian, Stan’s Bucky will grapple with a world that doesn’t quite trust him.

As the MCU enters its next chapter, the future of the Captain America legacy—and Bucky Barnes’s role in it—has never been more interesting. One thing is certain: whether as the Winter Soldier, a Thunderbolt, or possibly the next Captain America, Sebastian Stan remains a pivotal part of Marvel’s ever-evolving story.

Captain America: Brave New World will be released worldwide on February 14, 2025. The film also stars Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torress/Falcon, Giancarlo Esposito as Seth Voelker/Sidewinder, Shira Haas as Ruta Bat-Seraph, and Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley.

Did you expect the movie to be this short? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

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