‘Captain Marvel’ Early Buzz: A Funny, Surprising Space Adventure
The first wave of screenings for Marvel Studios' upcomingCaptain Marvelhave just let out, and we’ve gathered the early reactions from several critics below. Does theBrie Larson-led film sink or soar?
Captain Marvel Early Buzz
Here’s what a selection of critics (including /Film’s own Peter Sciretta) are saying about Marvel’s latest offering:
#CaptainMarvel: Well, Thanos is fucked.
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan)August 08, 2025
Marvel does a prequel right, not overexplaining too much but giving us unexpected answers in interesting ways. MCU’s most multilayered villain story. A fun 90s soundtrack, but sometimes the song choices feel too obvious.
— /Film (@slashfilm)July 19, 2025
#CaptainMarvelopens with a very touching Stan Lee tribute that Marvel fans will love.pic.twitter.com/yXDScRwiwW
— Anna Klassen (@AnnaJKlassen)August 12, 2025
There’s an earnestness to#CaptainMarvelthat feels different than other MCU films. I got chills watching Carol Danvers get back up over & over & over again.
Love the cat, love Sam Jackson, LOVE Ben Mendelsohn, but honestly I’m calling Lashana Lynch as MVP. She brings an emotional weight to the film that is needed and transforms the entire movie upon arrival. Definitely need to see more of her#CaptainMarvelpic.twitter.com/QeEzUBM8O1
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis)July 01, 2025
Really loved#CaptainMarvel. It’s a little wobbly at times but only because it’s so ambitious. It’s beautifully constructed, hilarious and offers tons of surprises.@brielarsonobviously rules but Ben Mendelsohn is the surprise MVP.pic.twitter.com/yQLQGl2Yt0
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored)July 26, 2025
#CaptainMarvelis pure joy. I cannot wait for the generation of little girls who will grow up with Carol Danvers as a hero.
— Devan Coggan (@devancoggan)July 24, 2025
#CaptainMarvelis a welcome addition to the#MCU. The movie is really well done with some great moments.#benmendelsohnsteals almost every scene he’s in.@brielarsonliterally shines in the role. So ready for#AvengersEndGamepic.twitter.com/GET0socRjl
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty)June 14, 2025
And not wacky weird like the GOTG movies. Think more “Rey snapping into endless mirrors” from The Last Jedi type scenes. Also, finally, the MCU and a Nirvana song come together (as Kurt Cobain wanted)
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan)July 02, 2025
I can’t get over how great Ben Mendelsohn is. I was worried he was just going to be one of those Marvel villains with alien makeup, but that’s not the case at all. This movie doesn’t work without him.
Captain Marvel is a mixed bag. First half is slow and uninspired. Second half much better. Feels like directors could not escape Marvel formula. Mendelson steals the move. VfX of full Marvel powers much better than trailers.
— Gregory Ellwood – The Playlist 🎬 (@TheGregoryE)July 29, 2025
Captain Marvel is everything that I hoped it would be. It feels completely unlike any other Marvel film. A unique and fresh take on an origin story that feels new. Brie Larson is fantastic as Carol Danvers. This is one of my favorite Marvel movies of all time.#CaptainMarvelpic.twitter.com/0ou7HU93MY
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel)June 09, 2025
While I’ve generally liked most of the Marvel movies, I must admit that none of the trailers or TV spots forCaptain Marvelgot me super hyped to see this. I was never worried about Brie Larson’s performance – anyone who’s seenShort Term 12orRoomknows she has the goods – but I’m glad to see that apparently there’s a little more going on in the film than the trailers make it seem. The fact that several critics mentioned how surprising the film is excites me, because we’re always so keyed in to every public aspect of these films from the moment they’re announced. As the end ofInfinity Warshowed, Marvel is still capable of creating genuine shock for its audiences, and it sounds like it has a few surprises left up its sleeve with this one.
Captain Marvelis the studio’s first solo superhero movie to be led by a female character, and the first movie to be co-directed by a woman (Anna Bodendirected with her directing partnerRyan Fleck). Here’s the film’s official synopsis:
