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Record-Breaking Runtime for ‘Captain America 4’ Quietly Revealed

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has always been a breeding ground for seismic shifts and big surprises, and the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World is shaping up to be no different. With reshoots raising eyebrows and fresh rumors swirling around Sebastian Stan’s potential rise as Captain America, the MCU continues to keep fans engaged.

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

Marvel Studios has earned its reputation for meticulous production, but the journey of Captain America: Brave New World has been anything but smooth. Directed by Julius Onah, the film has reportedly undergone extensive reshoots—a common practice for the studio, though comments from Tim Blake Nelson, who plays Samuel Sterns/Leader, suggest the movie was essentially shot twice.

While reshoots aren’t unusual for projects of this scale, reports of dismal test screenings have fueled fan concerns about the movie’s final cut. Nelson’s remarks seem to validate fears that significant adjustments were necessary to salvage the film’s narrative.

Still, Brave New World holds tremendous potential as Anthony Mackie takes the lead in his first solo outing as Captain America, officially inheriting the mantle from Steve Rogers after the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019). With hints of global chaos and power struggles driving the story, fans are also excited to see Harrison Ford debut as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross—who will get a makeover as Red Hulk during the film.

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

One notable absence from trailers and promotional materials is Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, a character fans have come to associate closely with Captain America. Anthony Mackie himself joked about Bucky’s absence, saying he wouldn’t have his “friends” on set this time—a playful nod to both Stan’s Barnes and Daniel Brühl’s Baron Zemo.

But fans shouldn’t lose hope just yet. Reports indicate that Stan will make a cameo in Brave New World, potentially teasing his larger role in Marvel’s dark ensemble project, Thunderbolts*, set to hit theaters in late 2025. Although brief, his appearance could be pivotal in laying the groundwork for the Winter Soldier’s next chapter.

At just 1 hour and 58 minutes (per AMC), Captain America: Brave New World clocks in as one of the shortest films in the MCU, tying for sixth place alongside Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018).

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

For context, here’s a look at the shorter entries in the franchise:

  • 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)
  • Ant-Man (1 hour 57 minutes)

Notably, this also marks the shortest runtime in the Captain America series, as the previous films all surpassed two hours.

Sebastian Stan stirred excitement during his recent appearance at Tokyo Comic-Con. Raising Captain America’s iconic shield, he told fans, “Not Captain America… yet.” Longtime Marvel readers know that Bucky Barnes has wielded the shield in the comics, a possibility that could find its way into the MCU’s future. Could this be setting up a major twist in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday (2026) or Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)?

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

Stan, who first joined the MCU as Bucky in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, remains a staunch supporter of the franchise. Responding to criticism of Marvel’s dominance in Hollywood, he commented, “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.”

Looking beyond Brave New World, Stan will headline Thunderbolts*, where he joins a misfit crew that includes Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and David Harbour’s Red Guardian. The film promises a gritty exploration of characters navigating a world that doesn’t entirely trust them—Bucky included.

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

As the MCU forges ahead, the legacy of Captain America—and Bucky Barnes’s role in it—remains as compelling as ever. Whether as the Winter Soldier, a Thunderbolt, or perhaps the next Captain America, Sebastian Stan is undoubtedly a cornerstone of Marvel’s ever-evolving saga.

Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters worldwide on February 14, 2025. Alongside Mackie and Ford, the film stars Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres/Falcon, Giancarlo Esposito as Seth Voelker/Sidewinder, Shira Haas as Ruta Bat-Seraph, and Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley.

What are your thoughts on the runtime? Does a shorter Captain America movie worry you, or does it promise tighter storytelling? Let us know in the comments!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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