Marvel Studios has kicked off its 2025 slate with the release of Captain America: Brave New World, but the film has left fans puzzled and somewhat disappointed. This sequel, the first to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, has not met the high expectations set for it (see IGN's review for a detailed analysis). The movie raises numerous questions, from the introduction of new characters to the absence of familiar faces, leaving viewers with more confusion than clarity.
Throughout Brave New World, audiences were left questioning the roles and motivations of characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder. The portrayal of The Leader as less of a mastermind than expected, and the conspicuous absence of key figures like the Hulk and the Avengers, have sparked discussions and debates. Let's delve into the most perplexing aspects of the film.
Captain America: Brave New World Gallery
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Where Was Banner This Whole Time?
After 17 years, Marvel has finally revisited The Incredible Hulk with Captain America: Brave New World, tying up many loose ends from the Hulk's solo adventure. We see the aftermath of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns' gamma exposure, Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences for his actions, and even Liv Tyler reprising her role as Betty Ross. However, one glaring omission is the absence of Bruce Banner, played by Mark Ruffalo.
Given the plot's direct connection to The Incredible Hulk, it's baffling that Banner, who should have a vested interest in Thaddeus Ross becoming President and Sterns' transformation into a gamma-irradiated genius, is nowhere to be seen. Previous MCU entries like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and She-Hulk established Banner's continued involvement in world events and personal life. His absence in Brave New World feels like a missed opportunity, especially as the film emphasizes the need for the Avengers to reunite.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small? -----------------------------------Tim Blake Nelson returns as Samuel Sterns, now transformed into The Leader with a giant green head and a vendetta against President Ross. While Sterns is supposed to be as intellectually formidable as the Hulk is physically, Brave New World struggles to showcase his brilliance. His plans seem to overlook Captain America's potential interference, and his willingness to surrender during the film's climax raises questions about his strategic acumen.
In the comics, The Leader is a mastermind with global ambitions, yet in the movie, his motives seem petty, centered around humiliating Ross. This underwhelming portrayal of a major villain feels like a missed opportunity to explore his potential threat to the world, especially given his foresight into the multiverse's collapse.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)
Brave New World culminates in a battle between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes Red Hulk. While rooted in comic lore, the MCU's version of Red Hulk deviates from the source material. Unlike the comic version, who retains his intelligence, the movie's Red Hulk is as mindless and uncontrollable as the early versions of the Green Hulk.
This portrayal, while ironic given Ross's hatred for the Hulk, misses the chance to explore a more tactical and intelligent Red Hulk. Fans hope future MCU appearances will offer a more accurate and nuanced depiction of the character.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
Red Hulk's powers mirror those of the Hulk, including super-strength and invulnerability. Yet, while he can shrug off bullets, Captain America's vibranium blades can cut him. This discrepancy likely stems from vibranium's unique properties, which allow it to pierce Red Hulk's skin where traditional weapons fail. This sets the stage for potential future conflicts, such as a showdown with Wolverine.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a cameo in Brave New World, revealing his surprising new role as a politician. This development raises eyebrows, given Bucky's history as the Winter Soldier and his lack of previous political aspirations. His past manipulations and assassinations seem at odds with a political career, yet this twist hints at further exploration in the upcoming Thunderbolts* movie.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly? ----------------------------------------------Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder steps in as the new secondary villain after Frank Grillo's Crossbones. Leading the terrorist cell Serpent, Sidewinder's personal vendetta against Captain America is never fully explained. Despite his capture and subsequent escape plan, his motives remain a mystery, leaving audiences to speculate on a potential deeper backstory that might be explored in future projects.
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. However, her role feels underdeveloped, serving more as a minor obstacle before becoming an ally. The decision to adapt the Sabra character from the comics, while significantly altering her background and powers, raises questions about her purpose in the narrative.
What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now? ------------------------------------Brave New World introduces adamantium, a new super-metal that threatens to shift global power dynamics. While it serves as a plot device driving conflict between nations, its broader implications for the MCU remain unclear. With the potential for future storylines involving Wolverine, the introduction of adamantium feels like a setup for more significant developments down the line.
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 Sam Wilson leading a new team, but it falls short of actually assembling them. With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, the lack of groundwork for a team-up feels like a missed opportunity to build anticipation and cohesion within the MCU.
What do you think? What left you puzzled after watching Captain America: Brave New World? Should the movie have included more Avengers? Let us know in the comments below:
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on Captain America and the future of the MCU, check out our Brave New World ending explained breakdown and see every Marvel movie and series in development.
