Hideo Kojima Baffled by Captain America: Brave New World’s Confusing Plot

Renowned video game designer Hideo Kojima, known for hits like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has sparked renewed discussions about Marvel Studios’ intricate storytelling approach connecting movies with streaming series following his public expression of confusion over Captain America: Brave New World. After watching the film in IMAX, this creative mind found it challenging to grasp crucial storylines, particularly those pertaining to Sam Wilson’s (Anthony Mackie) transformation into Captain America and the current status of the Avengers team. This statement comes as the movie grapples with significant box office hurdles, losing 68% in its second weekend to gross $28.3 million domestically, adding up to a global total of $289.4 million against a production budget of $180 million.

After catching the IMAX showing of Kojima’s latest, I found myself scratching my head over a detail – when exactly did Sam become Captain America? I dimly recall him getting the shield in Endgame, but it seems there are some chapters I missed, like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. It feels like these stories are becoming more interconnected, and if you haven’t watched Marvel’s streaming series, it can make following along a bit tricky – much like how Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness seems to depend heavily on what happened in WandaVision or the ongoing storylines in Ms. Marvel and The Marvels.

I recently saw “Captain America: Brave New World” in IMAX. I think Sam Wilson got the shield in “Endgame,” but I can’t recall when he officially took on the role of Captain America. Did that happen in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier?” Additionally, I heard something about the Avengers undergoing a reorganization. I’m not quite sure what that means, though…

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) February 23, 2025

It’s no secret that Kojima, known for creating complex narratives in video games, found himself confused by Marvel’s interwoven storylines. Yet, his critique highlights how Marvel’s recent approach of requiring audience engagement across various platforms and formats to fully enjoy their movies on the big screen is a marked change from their earlier days. Back then, movies could be appreciated by both casual and dedicated viewers. Interestingly, Captain America: Brave New World seems to be having trouble recouping its investment.

Captain America: Brave New World Keeps Struggling at the Box Office

As a fan, I find myself deeply concerned about the accessibility issues pointed out by Kojima, as they seem to be affecting the commercial success of Brave New World. The film’s 68% drop in its second weekend ranks it amongst the steepest declines in the MCU, surpassed only by The Marvels (78%) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (70%) in terms of percentage decrease. This becomes especially troubling when considering the film’s $180 million production budget, a figure that, while lower than recent Marvel productions like Quantumania ($388.4 million) and The Marvels ($270 million), still necessitates substantial box office earnings to ensure profitability.

To achieve profitability, Brave New World must gross a minimum of $450-$500 million worldwide, considering marketing expenses and shared theater income. However, as the movie’s popularity wanes, this goal becomes more difficult due to its sluggish momentum. Despite favorable reviews for Harrison Ford’s role as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and Giancarlo Esposito’s portrayal of Sidewinder, the film’s B CinemaScore reflects the lowest audience rating in the franchise, hinting that word-of-mouth could further affect its commercial performance over the next few weeks.

Before the arrival of Bong Joon-ho’s “Mickey 17” in March, “Brave New World” has been relatively uncontested at the box office. However, its performance raises important questions about the future of Marvel’s theatrical releases, especially as they gear up for films like “Thunderbolts” and “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” It becomes more essential for Marvel Studios to strike a balance between preserving their interconnected universe and ensuring that their theatrical outings continue to appeal to casual viewers, in order to ensure continued box office success.

Captain America: Brave New World is now playing in theaters worldwide.

Are you on board with Hideo Kojima’s views on “Captain America: Brave New World”? Chime in with your thoughts below in the comments section!

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2025-02-24 13:40