TL;DR: Captain America: Brave New World has been out for a year now, and if your kids are finally catching up on Disney+, the big talk is Danny Ramirez taking over as the new Falcon. It’s a solid PG-13 political thriller with some heavy-hitting action (looking at you, Red Hulk). It’s great for ages 11+, but younger MCU fans might find the political plot a bit "yawn-worthy" despite the cool wing-suit stunts.
Check out these related picks for the Marvel-obsessed:
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Essential backstory for Danny Ramirez's character)
- Top Gun: Maverick (Where you probably recognize Danny Ramirez from)
- Marvel Snap (The addictive card game that features all these characters)
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (For more high-flying, diverse hero energy)
If you’ve been out of the Marvel loop for a minute, here’s the quick catch-up: Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson is officially the new Captain America. That left a job opening for "The Falcon," and Danny Ramirez has officially stepped into those wings as Joaquin Torres.
We first met Joaquin in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He was the tech-savvy lieutenant helping Sam out. In Captain America: Brave New World, he’s fully suited up.
Danny Ramirez brings a really fresh, relatable energy to the role. Unlike the "super-soldier" types, Joaquin is a brilliant engineer and a loyal friend. For kids, he’s the "tech guy" who gets to go into the field, which is a pretty cool archetype for the STEM-focused crowd. Plus, for Latino families, seeing a Mexican-American actor take on such a legacy mantle is a huge win for representation that feels earned, not forced.
It’s not just about the flying. Danny Ramirez has that "cool older cousin" vibe. He’s charming, he’s funny, and he’s not a brooding billionaire or an ancient god. He feels like a real person.
Kids who grew up on Top Gun: Maverick already know him as "Fanboy," so he has that built-in credibility. In the MCU, his character Joaquin Torres represents the next generation. While the original Avengers are mostly gone or retired, characters like Torres, Ms. Marvel, and Kate Bishop are the ones our kids are actually identifying with now.
If you're deciding whether to let your 8-year-old watch this or keep it strictly for the middle schoolers, here’s the "no-BS" breakdown of what’s actually in the movie.
The Action and Violence
This isn’t the "colorful lasers" kind of Marvel movie. It’s much more in the vein of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Think hand-to-hand combat, tactical strikes, and government conspiracies.
The big "intensity" factor is Harrison Ford as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, who—spoiler alert for a year-old movie—becomes the Red Hulk. The transformation scenes and the Red Hulk fights are brutal. It’s more visceral and "monster-movie" scary than your average Marvel scrap. If your kid was fine with the Hulk in The Avengers, they’ll likely be okay, but Red Hulk has a much meaner streak.
Language and Content
Expect the standard MCU "PG-13" fare. A few "shits," some "hells," and "ass." No "F-bombs" here, but the tone is serious. There’s no sexual content to worry about, though there is plenty of political tension and talk of global security that might go over a younger kid's head.
If your kid is currently obsessed with Danny Ramirez or the new Captain America era, here are some curated picks that hit the same notes without the "brain rot" factor.
To Watch:
- If they haven’t seen this, they’re missing the origin story. It deals with some heavy themes like race and legacy in America, making it a great conversation starter for teens.
- Danny Ramirez plays a pilot here, and honestly, this movie is a masterclass in tension and practical effects. It’s one of the few "dad movies" that kids actually think is cool.
- If the draw is the Latino hero lead, Blue Beetle is fantastic. It’s much more family-centric and has a lighter tone than the new Captain America.
To Play:
- This is a card-battler that is actually good. It’s quick (3-minute matches), requires strategy, and doesn't require a console. Just watch out for the microtransactions—it’s easy for kids to want to "collect 'em all."
- While the "live service" part of this game was a bit of a mess, the single-player campaign is actually a great way to play as Cap and see the team dynamics.
- Okay, it’s not Marvel. But if your kid is getting overstimulated by the "Red Hulk smash" energy, Stardew Valley is the ultimate palate cleanser. It’s the "intentional parent" gold standard for gaming.
Ages 5-9: They might like the idea of Captain America, but Brave New World is likely too dense and scary. Stick to the animated Spidey and His Amazing Friends or the LEGO Marvel games.
Ages 10-12: This is the sweet spot. They’re old enough to handle the "scary" Red Hulk and can start to appreciate the "who can we trust?" plotlines. It’s a good bridge into more mature storytelling.
Ages 13+: They’ll probably be analyzing Danny Ramirez’s performance and comparing it to the original Falcon. This is a great age to talk about how characters evolve and how new actors take on old roles.
Marvel movies are usually just "popcorn fun," but the Captain America series always leans into real-world questions. Here are a few ways to turn the movie into a real conversation:
- On Legacy: "Sam Wilson didn't want the shield at first because he didn't think the country was ready for a Black Captain America. Now Joaquin Torres is taking over the Falcon wings. Why do you think it's important for different people to take on these roles?"
- On Technology: Joaquin Torres is a tech genius. "In the movie, he uses drones and advanced tech to help. Do you think being 'smart with computers' is just as much of a superpower as being strong?"
- On Trust: The movie is all about government secrets. "Who are the people in the movie that Sam and Joaquin can actually trust? How do you know when someone is a real friend versus just an 'ally'?"
Danny Ramirez is a fantastic addition to the MCU. He brings a grounded, tech-forward, and culturally rich perspective to the Falcon mantle that kids are really responding to.
If your family is looking for a movie night that feels a bit "grown-up" without being inappropriate, Captain America: Brave New World is a solid choice. Just be ready for some intense Hulk-smashing and a plot that requires a bit more attention than your average superhero flick.
Next Steps:
- If they love the tech side, look into Scratch for some "superhero" coding projects.
- If they love the flying, check out Microsoft Flight Simulator (it’s surprisingly zen).
- Take our Screenwise Survey to see how your kid's Marvel obsession fits into your family's overall digital wellness goals.