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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has long been celebrated for its ability to weave compelling narratives with unforgettable music, and Captain America: Brave New World (2025) is no exception. Directed by Julius Onah, this fourth installment in the Captain America saga introduces Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, navigating a politically charged thriller. The film’s soundtrack, a blend of original score by Laura Karpman and carefully curated licensed tracks, elevates its storytelling, grounding its action in emotional and cultural resonance. This blog dives into the music of Captain America: Brave New World, exploring how it shapes the film’s tone, enhances its themes, and pays homage to its characters.
The Composer: Laura Karpman’s Vision
Laura Karpman, an Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated composer, brings her seasoned expertise to Captain America: Brave New World. Known for her work on MCU projects like What If…? (2021–2024), Ms. Marvel (2022), and The Marvels (2023), Karpman crafts a score that balances the film’s political thriller roots with its superhero spectacle. Her approach draws inspiration from classic thrillers like The Manchurian Candidate (1962) and North by Northwest (1959), while infusing modern elements that reflect Sam Wilson’s journey as a hero without superpowers. Released by Hollywood Records on February 12, 2025, the score comprises 35 tracks, spanning 1 hour and 21 minutes, and is available on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
Karpman’s score is distinct for its darker, espionage-driven tone, reminiscent of Henry Jackman’s work on Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). Unlike the grandiose, patriotic themes of Alan Silvestri’s Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Karpman opts for a grounded, rhythmic soundscape. She introduces two primary themes: the “Conspiracy” theme, a tense and foreboding motif, and the “Brave New World” theme, a heroic yet nuanced melody that underscores Sam Wilson’s evolution. Her use of New Orleans-style drumline percussion and unconventional instruments, like wind-up toys, adds a unique texture, tying the music to Sam’s Louisiana roots and the film’s conspiratorial undertones.
Licensed Music: A Cultural Tapestry
Beyond Karpman’s score, Captain America: Brave New World features a vibrant selection of licensed tracks, primarily hip-hop, rap, and pop, with a focus on Black artists. This choice reflects Sam Wilson’s cultural identity and historic role as the first Black Captain America in the MCU. The soundtrack, while not compiled into an official playlist, includes standout songs that amplify key moments, from high-energy action to emotional resolutions. These tracks, available on platforms like YouTube Music and Amazon Music, create a dynamic contrast to the score’s intensity, grounding the film in contemporary culture.
The Role of Music in the Narrative
The film’s music serves as a narrative backbone, guiding the audience through Sam’s challenges as he faces an international conspiracy led by Harrison Ford’s President Thaddeus Ross, who transforms into the Red Hulk. The interplay between Karpman’s score andHoward Mackie and the licensed tracks mirrors the film’s blend of political thriller and superhero action, emphasizing Sam’s reliance on wit and heart over superhuman strength. Below, we explore ten musical examples, detailing their use in the film and offering trivia to enrich the context.
Musical Examples in Captain America: Brave New World
Main Title
In the Film: The “Captain America: Brave New World Main Title” opens the film with a dark, pulsating rhythm that sets the tone for the political thriller. As Sam Wilson and Joaquin Torres infiltrate a secret operation in Oaxaca, Mexico, the track’s eerie strings and brass build tension, reflecting the high stakes of their mission to recover stolen classified items. The Conspiracy theme dominates, creating a sense of unease that foreshadows the global plot.
Trivia: Karpman’s Main Title introduces the Conspiracy theme, inspired by the ominous opening of Raiders of the Lost Ark. It deliberately avoids echoing Silvestri’s or Jackman’s Captain America themes, establishing a fresh identity for Sam Wilson’s era.
Brave New World
In the Film: This track accompanies Sam’s first major action sequence as Captain America, soaring through a chaotic battle with his Falcon wings. The seven-note action motif, backed by a noble five-note brass melody, underscores Sam’s determination and vulnerability as a non-superpowered hero facing overwhelming odds. The music’s driving rhythm mirrors his relentless spirit.
Trivia: The “Brave New World” theme is a dual-part composition, with the action motif evoking the urgency of Mission: Impossible and the brass motif symbolizing Sam’s heroism. Karpman designed it to reflect the journeys of Sam, Joaquin, and Isaiah Bradley .
President Ross
In the Film: Played during Sam’s tense meeting with President Thaddeus Ross in the White House, this track features a subtle, mysterious melody that hints at Ross’s hidden agenda. The understated two-note motif foreshadows his transformation into the Red Hulk, adding a layer of suspense to their dialogue.
Trivia: Karpman crafted this theme to evolve from a presidential march into “monster music” for the Red Hulk, using a choir to amplify the dramatic shift. The motif’s simplicity allows it to grow in intensity throughout the film.
Transformation
In the Film: The climactic White House battle features this track as Ross becomes the Red Hulk. The music explodes with heavy brass and choral elements, capturing the chaos and power of the transformation. The two-note Ross motif morphs into a Godzilla-like roar, emphasizing the monstrous threat.
Trivia: Karpman used a choir to create “big-ass monster music” for the Red Hulk, drawing from her experience with dramatic MCU scores. The track’s intensity reflects the film’s shift from thriller to superhero spectacle.
Keep On Movin – B. Stew
In the Film: This upbeat hip-hop track plays during a lively street scene in Oaxaca, where Sam and Joaquin blend into a crowd. The song’s infectious rhythm underscores their camaraderie and the cultural vibrancy of the setting, grounding the film in Sam’s roots.
Trivia: B. Stew, a rising artist, brings a contemporary Southern vibe to the soundtrack, aligning with Sam’s Louisiana heritage. The track’s energy reflects the film’s celebration of Black culture.
i – Kendrick Lamar
In the Film: Playing as Sam and Joaquin share a lighthearted moment in a hospital room, this empowering hip-hop anthem transitions into the credits. Its optimistic tone mirrors the film’s hopeful ending, emphasizing Sam’s growth as a leader.
Trivia: Kendrick Lamar’s i was chosen for its cultural significance, especially after his 2025 Grammy wins and Super Bowl performance, connecting to the MCU’s Black Panther legacy.
Ante Up (Robbin Hoodz Theory) – M.O.P.
In the Film: This high-energy hip-hop track fuels an intense action sequence where Sam and Joaquin battle Sidewinder’s mercenaries. The aggressive beats and lyrics amplify the chaos of the fight.
Trivia: Licensed from Columbia Records, Ante Up by M.O.P. brings a gritty, urban edge to the film, complementing its action-heavy moments and Sam’s street-smart approach.
The Making of the Soundtrack
Karpman’s creative process was deeply collaborative with director Julius Onah, who sought a score that echoed the gritty realism of 1970s political thrillers. She incorporated unconventional elements, such as wind-up toys, to add a playful yet eerie quality to the conspiracy themes. The licensed tracks were chosen to reflect Sam’s cultural identity, with artists like Kendrick Lamar and B. Stew highlighting Black excellence. The absence of an official licensed soundtrack playlist has led fans to create their own on platforms like Spotify, showcasing the music’s impact.
Critical Reception and Impact
The soundtrack has received mixed praise. Critics lauded Karpman’s ability to craft a tense, atmospheric score that suits the film’s tone, though some fans on platforms like Reddit noted the themes lack the memorability of Silvestri’s or Jackman’s work. The licensed tracks, however, have been universally celebrated for their cultural resonance and emotional weight, particularly i and Keep On Movin. The music’s integration into the narrative has been praised for enhancing Sam’s journey and the film’s grounded aesthetic, despite criticisms of the film’s pacing and visual effects.
The music of Captain America: Brave New World is a powerful blend of Laura Karpman’s evocative score and a culturally rich selection of licensed tracks. Karpman’s work captures the film’s political thriller essence while honoring Sam Wilson’s unique heroism, and the hip-hop and pop songs amplify his cultural identity. From the haunting Mr. Blue to the uplifting i, the soundtrack navigates a spectrum of emotions, making it a vital part of the film’s impact. As the MCU evolves, the music of Brave New World stands as a testament to the power of sound to tell stories of resilience, identity, and hope.
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