Rough Cut Reviews

Following announcements of international home releases, detailed information has now been revealed for the German market release of Captain America: Brave New World (USA/Canada, 2025). Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, in collaboration with Leonine, will distribute the Marvel superhero film directed by Julius Onah on 23 May 2025. The movie stars Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez and Shira Haas in leading roles.

The Blu-ray edition will include a German Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio track, while the Ultra HD Blu-ray will be available in a limited-edition Steelbook featuring Dolby Atmos sound in English and Dolby Vision support. Bonus features will include deleted scenes, an audio commentary by Julius Onah and Kramer Morgentha, outtakes, and two behind-the-scenes featurettes: Taking the Lead and Old Scores, New Scars.

In addition, a 4-disc Blu-ray box set will be released, compiling the full Captain America saga: The First Avenger (2011), The Winter Soldier (2014), Civil War (2016), and Brave New World (2025), packaged in a standard Keep Case. A 4K “4-Movie Collection” will also be available, presented in four softbox editions housed in a slipcase.

Plot Overview

Set in the aftermath of recent MCU events, Brave New World follows a major discovery during the exploration of the newly emerged landmass known as Tiamut. Scientists uncover a rare metal, Adamantium, which surpasses even the legendary Vibranium in its near-indestructible properties.

The find triggers a global race to claim ownership of the resource. Determined to prevent other powers from gaining access, newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (played by Harrison Ford) takes an aggressive stance. His objective: to revive and upgrade the Weapon Plus programme, using Adamantium to build a new generation of super-soldiers.

Standing in opposition to this dangerous plan is the new Captain America, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). With support from allies such as the new Falcon, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), and Sabra (Shira Haas), Wilson seeks to halt Ross’s militaristic ambitions. The team also aims to stop Ross’s chief scientist, Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), who plays a crucial role in the project.

However, President Ross’s hunger for power leads him to increasingly extreme actions, leaving even his own daughter, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), powerless to intervene. Behind the scenes, a secret criminal organisation is fuelling the conflict, intent on pushing the world into chaos.

Captain America: Brave New World is poised to deliver action-packed drama and political intrigue, adding new depth to the Marvel Cinematic Universe when it arrives on home entertainment platforms in May 2025.

Penny Branning has quickly become a familiar face on EastEnders, thanks to the arrival of actress Kitty Castledine, who stepped into the role as part of the well-known Branning family. Penny’s return to Albert Square earlier this year marked a significant twist in the soap’s storyline, with plenty of drama unfolding almost immediately.

The character Penny Branning is the daughter of long-standing EastEnders figure Jack Branning, and she arrived in Walford alongside her cousin Lauren Branning, portrayed once again by Jacqueline Jossa. Not long after her arrival, Penny became entangled in a serious situation involving drug smuggling. While she was asked to bring drugs into the UK, she instead planted them on Lauren, who was subsequently caught and faced potential prison time. The incident sent shockwaves through the Branning family, placing Penny firmly at the centre of the action.

Kitty Castledine’s casting has drawn considerable attention, not just because of her strong debut performance, but also due to her impressive real-life connections. Kitty comes from a well-known family with ties to both sport and television. Her mother is Lucy Alexander, best known for presenting Homes Under The Hammer, a popular BBC property show. Lucy was quick to express her pride on social media following the news of Kitty joining EastEnders, describing it as a major moment for their family.

Kitty’s father and brother are both involved in football, adding to the public profile of her family. Additionally, Kitty herself has developed friendships with notable figures from ITV, expanding her network across the British entertainment scene.

Speaking about her role, Kitty shared her excitement about being cast so soon after graduating from drama school. “I didn’t expect to start my EastEnders journey so soon after finishing training – it still doesn’t feel real,” she said. “My whole family are lifelong fans of the show. I remember watching it with my Nanny Kay when I was little, and now they’re watching me on screen. It’s incredibly special.”

As a wheelchair user, Kitty has also highlighted the importance of disability representation on screen. She’s particularly proud to play a dynamic, independent character like Penny. “The inclusion of disabled talent on television is something I care deeply about,” she added. “Penny is feisty and cool – she’s thrown into the drama right away, and I’m so excited to see where her journey takes her.”

Kitty’s portrayal has already been praised for bringing a fresh energy to EastEnders, while also opening the door to more inclusive storytelling. With her personal charisma and a storyline packed with tension and emotion, Penny Branning looks set to become a central figure in the soap’s evolving narrative.

And for Kitty Castledine, this marks just the beginning of what promises to be a bright career in British television.