Marvel Studios has launched its 2025 lineup with "Captain America: Brave New World," marking the first solo outing for Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. Unfortunately, the film has left audiences puzzled and somewhat disappointed, as noted in IGN's review. The movie introduces new characters and revisits old ones, but it leaves many questions unanswered and characters underdeveloped.
From the enigmatic roles of Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder to the seemingly less brilliant portrayal of The Leader, fans are left wondering about the narrative choices. Moreover, the absence of key characters like the Hulk and the Avengers adds to the confusion. 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," tying up loose ends from the original film. We see the aftermath of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns' gamma exposure, Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences for his actions, and Liv Tyler reprising her role as Betty Ross. However, one crucial element is missing: Bruce Banner, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo.
Given the plot's direct connection to "The Incredible Hulk," it's surprising that Banner is absent. His nemesis, Thaddeus Ross, becoming President should have drawn Banner back into the fray. Additionally, the emergence of a gamma-irradiated super-genius like Sterns and the appearance of a crimson Hulk at the White House would surely warrant Banner's involvement. Despite his established role in monitoring global threats post-Avengers disbandment, as seen in "Shang-Chi" and "She-Hulk," Banner's absence feels like a missed opportunity. Marvel may have a reason for this, perhaps involving off-world activities with his son Skaar, but it leaves a noticeable gap in the narrative.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
Tim Blake Nelson's return as Samuel Sterns, now known as The Leader, brings a character transformed by gamma radiation and driven by a vendetta against President Ross. Despite his supposed superhuman intelligence, Sterns' plans in "Brave New World" seem underwhelming. He orchestrates a war between the US and Japan but fails to account for Captain America's intervention, which feels uncharacteristic for a mastermind.
Moreover, Sterns' decision to surrender during the film's climax to execute his final move against Ross—simply playing a recorded phone call to the press—raises questions. Why not continue his schemes from the shadows? In the comics, The Leader is a formidable threat to the world, yet here, his motivation seems limited to personal revenge against Ross, which feels small for such a significant villain.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)
The film's climax features a battle between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes Red Hulk. While rooted in the comics, the MCU's version of Red Hulk deviates significantly from the source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a strategic and ruthless adversary. However, in "Brave New World," Ross's Red Hulk is as mindless and uncontrollable as the early versions of the Green Hulk, even calmed by thoughts of Betty.
This portrayal misses the opportunity to explore a different facet of the Hulk archetype—a battle-hardened soldier with immense strength. While the irony of Ross becoming what he despised is appreciated, fans hope for a more comic-accurate Red Hulk in future MCU appearances.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
Red Hulk's powers mirror those of the Hulk, including super-strength and invulnerability, as seen when he shrugs off bullets. However, Captain America's vibranium blades manage to cut him. This discrepancy likely stems from the unique properties of vibranium, which can pierce Red Hulk's skin in ways traditional weapons cannot. This sets the stage for potential future confrontations involving adamantium, hinting at a showdown with Wolverine.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief appearance, revealing his new role as an aspiring politician. This development raises eyebrows, given Bucky's history as a manipulated assassin with no prior indication of political ambitions. His past could hinder any political campaign, yet the film hints at his continued journey in the upcoming "Thunderbolts*" movie.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent terrorist cell, emerges as a new antagonist in "Brave New World." His personal vendetta against Captain America is left unexplained, despite his willingness to kill Sam for free. The film's reshoots may have cut scenes that clarified his motivations, leaving fans hoping for more context in future projects, as Esposito has teased Sidewinder's role in a Disney+ series.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
Shira Haas's Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative and now President Ross's bodyguard, is introduced as a new character. While she initially opposes Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, her role feels underutilized, serving more as a minor obstacle before fading into the background. The decision to adapt the Sabra character from the comics, despite significant changes, raises questions about her purpose in the narrative.
What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?
"Brave New World" introduces adamantium to the MCU, a new super-metal discovered during the race to exploit Tiamut's remains. While it serves as a plot device driving global tensions, its broader implications remain unclear. The introduction of adamantium hints at future developments, particularly the arrival of Wolverine, but its long-term impact on the MCU remains to be seen.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
Despite the introduction of numerous new heroes in recent years, the MCU has yet to reform the Avengers. "Brave New World" touches on the idea of reassembling the team, with Sam Wilson contemplating leadership, but it stops short of actualizing this. The film's climax could have benefited from the presence of more Avengers, turning it into a larger team-up event akin to "Captain America: Civil War." As "Avengers: Doomsday" approaches in 2026, the lack of groundwork for a new Avengers team is noticeable.
What are your thoughts on "Captain America: Brave New World"? What left you puzzled, and do you think the film should have included more Avengers? Share your opinions in the comments below:
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