Marvel Studios kicked off its 2025 slate of movies with the release of Captain America: Brave New World. However, this sequel has left fans puzzled and unsatisfied, signaling a potentially turbulent year for the MCU. Despite the excitement surrounding Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson stepping into the role of Captain America, the film falls short of expectations (for a detailed review, see IGN's Captain America: Brave New World review).
Throughout the movie, viewers are left with numerous unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters, prompting a closer look at the film's narrative choices. From the mysterious motives of new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder to the seemingly diminished intellect of The Leader, the film raises more questions than it answers. Additionally, the absence of key figures like the Hulk and the broader Avengers team leaves a noticeable gap in the storyline. Let's delve into the most perplexing aspects of Captain America: Brave New World.
Captain America: Brave New World Gallery
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Where Was Banner This Whole Time?
After 17 years, Marvel finally revisits The Incredible Hulk with Captain America: Brave New World. The film ties up many loose ends from Hulk's initial MCU solo outing, shedding light on the fates of characters like Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns and Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross, and even marking the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross. However, one critical element is conspicuously absent: the Hulk himself. Why was Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner left out of a narrative so deeply rooted in The Incredible Hulk?
Given Banner's history with Thaddeus Ross and his connection to Samuel Sterns, his absence is glaring. Especially with the plot revolving around Ross's transformation into the President and Sterns's gamma-induced genius, Banner's involvement seems essential. Furthermore, with recent MCU entries like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and She-Hulk establishing Banner's ongoing role in the world, his absence during a crisis directly linked to his past feels like a missed opportunity. While Marvel may provide a future explanation, such as Banner being off-world with his son Skaar, the film currently suffers from this narrative void. It's particularly striking given the movie's theme of needing the Avengers again, yet only offering a brief cameo from Sebastian Stan's Bucky.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
Tim Blake Nelson's return as Samuel Sterns, now transformed into The Leader, promised a showcase of superhuman intellect. Yet, Brave New World fails to fully capitalize on this potential. Sterns, with his enhanced brainpower, should be a master of strategy, yet his plans often overlook the obvious threat of Captain America. His orchestration of a conflict between the US and Japan, without accounting for Cap's intervention, feels uncharacteristic of a supposed genius.
Moreover, the film's climax sees Sterns willingly turning himself in, a decision that contradicts his cunning nature. His final move against Ross—a simple recording played to the press—hardly justifies surrendering his freedom. In the comics, The Leader is a formidable mastermind with grand schemes, but here, his motivations seem petty, centered solely on humiliating Ross rather than addressing the larger threats he supposedly perceives, like the collapse of the multiverse.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
The climactic battle between Captain America and President Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk, is a highlight of the film. However, the MCU's version of Red Hulk deviates significantly from the comic books. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence and tactical prowess, contrasting sharply with the original Hulk's rage. In Brave New World, however, Ross becomes a mindless brute, much like the early versions of Banner's Hulk, even being calmed by thoughts of Betty.
While there's a poetic irony in Ross becoming what he despised, the film misses an opportunity to explore a more nuanced take on the Red Hulk character. Fans were hoping for a battle-tested soldier with limitless strength, a departure from the chaotic rage monster they've seen before. Hopefully, future MCU appearances of Red Hulk will offer a more comic-accurate depiction.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
Red Hulk's invulnerability is evident when he shrugs off bullets, yet Captain America's vibranium blades manage to cut him. This discrepancy can be explained by the unique properties of vibranium, which allows Sam's weapons to pierce Red Hulk's otherwise impervious skin. This sets up intriguing possibilities for future confrontations, particularly with characters like Wolverine, whose adamantium claws might also prove effective against Red Hulk.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief appearance in Brave New World, revealing his new role as an aspiring politician. This development raises eyebrows, given Bucky's history as a 110-year-old former assassin with a complex past. His political ambitions seem out of character and logistically challenging, considering his background.
While it's heartwarming to see the continued bond between Sam and Bucky, the film's decision to portray Bucky as a politician feels unconvincing. Fans will likely learn more about this unexpected career move in the upcoming Thunderbolts* movie.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder steps in as a new villain in Brave New World, leading the terrorist group Serpent. His personal vendetta against Captain America is evident, yet the film fails to clarify the roots of his animosity. Sidewinder's willingness to kill Sam for free and his determination to finish the job after being captured suggest a deep-seated grudge, but the movie leaves viewers in the dark about its origins.
Given the extensive reshoots and changes to the script, it's possible that earlier versions provided more context for Sidewinder's motivations. With Esposito hinting at Sidewinder's future in a Disney+ series, this unresolved plot point may find resolution down the line.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
Shira Haas's Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative turned bodyguard for President Ross, is introduced as a new character in Brave New World. While she initially clashes with Sam and his allies, Ruth eventually joins their cause. However, her role in the film feels underdeveloped and somewhat superfluous.
Ruth's presence seems more like a nod to the Black Widow archetype than a fully realized character. The film's extensive reshoots may have impacted her role, but as it stands, she adds little to the overarching narrative. Additionally, her adaptation from the comic book character Sabra is so different—lacking the Israeli operative and mutant aspects—that it begs the question of why Marvel didn't simply create a new character instead.
What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?
The introduction of adamantium in Brave New World marks a significant development for the MCU, hinting at future storylines, particularly with the eventual introduction of Wolverine. The metal serves as a plot device, driving global tensions and nearly sparking a war. However, its long-term implications remain unclear.
Will adamantium become as pivotal as vibranium, or is its introduction merely a setup for Wolverine's arrival? The Ross/Ozaki Accords suggest a temporary resolution, but the MCU's slow pace in addressing previous plot points, like those from Eternals, suggests we may have to wait a while to see the full impact of adamantium.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
The absence of a cohesive Avengers team remains a glaring issue in the MCU, years after the events of Endgame. Despite the introduction of new heroes like Yelena Belova, Shang-Chi, She-Hulk, and Moon Knight, the franchise has yet to bring them together effectively.
Brave New World teases the idea of reassembling the Avengers, with Sam Wilson contemplating his role as a potential leader. Yet, the film stops short of actually forming a new team, missing an opportunity to make the battle against Red Hulk more dynamic and engaging. By the time Avengers: Doomsday arrives in 2026, the MCU may still be playing catch-up in uniting its heroes.
What were your biggest "WTF?!?" moments after watching Captain America: Brave New World? Do you think the film should have included more Avengers characters? Share your thoughts in the comments below:
