Marvel Studios has launched its 2025 movie lineup with the release of *Captain America: Brave New World*. However, this sequel suggests a challenging year ahead for the MCU. It falls short of the expectations set for Anthony Mackie's debut as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson (for a detailed review, see IGN's *Captain America: Brave New World* review).
*Brave New World* often leaves viewers puzzled with its unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters. Who are the new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder? Why does The Leader seem less than a brilliant mastermind? Where is the Hulk? And where are the Avengers? Let's delve into the most perplexing questions raised by *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 delivered a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* with *Captain America: Brave New World*. This film ties up many loose ends from Hulk's initial MCU solo adventure. We discover the fate of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns post-gamma exposure, see Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences for his actions, and witness Liv Tyler reprising her role as Betty Ross for the first time since *The Incredible Hulk*.
Yet, one crucial element is missing: the Hulk himself. Why was Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner absent from a story so closely linked to *The Incredible Hulk*? Given Banner's history with Thaddeus Ross and Samuel Sterns, his absence feels glaring. *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* established that Banner, alongside Captain Marvel, is monitoring global events post-Avengers disbandment. Additionally, *She-Hulk* shows him engaged in research and raising his son, Skaar. So, why was he missing during this Hulk-centric crisis?
Marvel might eventually explain Banner's absence, perhaps suggesting he was off-world with Skaar. However, this doesn't change the fact that his absence leaves a noticeable gap in *Brave New World*'s narrative. The film focuses on Sam Wilson's journey to reassemble the Avengers, yet it only offers a brief cameo from Sebastian Stan's Bucky. Including Banner in some capacity could have enriched the plot.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
*Brave New World* reintroduces Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed into The Leader with a giant green head and a vendetta against President Ross. Gamma radiation has supposedly made him as intellectually formidable as the Hulk is physically powerful.
However, the film struggles to showcase Sterns' supposed tactical brilliance. He consistently overlooks Captain America's potential interference in his plans, such as orchestrating a war between the US and Japan. Additionally, his decision to surrender during the climax to execute his final move against Ross—simply playing a recorded phone call to the press—raises questions. Why not remain at large to continue plotting?
In the comics, The Leader is a mastermind threatening global stability. In *Brave New World*, his motivation seems limited to humiliating Ross, which feels underwhelming for such a significant villain. If Sterns can foresee the multiverse's collapse, his focus on personal vendettas seems misplaced.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
The film's climax features an epic battle between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes Red Hulk in front of the world. This twist draws from the comics, but the MCU's Red Hulk deviates significantly from the source material.
In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a strategic and ruthless adversary. In contrast, the movie's Red Hulk is as mindless and uncontrollable as the early versions of the Green Hulk, even calmed by thoughts of Betty. While the irony of Ross becoming what he despises is compelling, the film misses an opportunity to present a more nuanced Red Hulk, akin to a battle-hardened soldier with limitless strength.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
As Red Hulk, Ross exhibits similar powers to the Hulk, including super-strength and invulnerability, as seen when he shrugs off bullets. However, Captain America's vibranium blades manage to cut him. The likely explanation is the unique properties of vibranium, which can pierce Red Hulk's skin in ways traditional weapons cannot. This sets the stage for future confrontations, possibly involving adamantium and characters like Wolverine.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a cameo, 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. What prompted his political aspirations? While it's refreshing to see Bucky and Sam's friendship acknowledged, his transition to politics feels abrupt and unexplained. More clarity on his motivations might be forthcoming in the *Thunderbolts* movie.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
With Crossbones gone, *Brave New World* introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder as a new antagonist. Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent terrorist cell, is hired by Sterns to steal adamantium but harbors a personal vendetta against Captain America. His motivations remain unclear, even after his capture and subsequent escape plans. The film's reshoots might have affected the depth of his character, leaving fans hoping for more explanation in future projects, such as a Disney+ series.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative turned bodyguard for President Ross, is introduced as a new character. Initially an obstacle to Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, her role feels underdeveloped and somewhat redundant, akin to a Black Widow archetype without a clear purpose. The decision to adapt the Sabra character from the comics, despite significant changes, raises questions about why a new character wasn't created instead.
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 resources. While it serves as a plot device driving global tensions, its broader implications remain unclear. Will adamantium's introduction have lasting effects on the MCU, or is it merely a temporary catalyst? Its connection to future characters like Wolverine is evident, but its overall impact on the MCU's world remains to be seen.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
Years after the Avengers disbanded, the MCU has introduced numerous new heroes, yet the team remains elusive. *Brave New World* hints at reassembling the Avengers, with Sam Wilson contemplating leadership. However, the film stops short of actual team formation, missing an opportunity to include more heroes in the climactic battle against Red Hulk. As *Avengers: Doomsday* approaches in 2026, the MCU seems unprepared for a significant team reunion, focusing more on introducing new characters than weaving them into a cohesive narrative.
What were your biggest "WTF" moments in *Captain America: Brave New World*? Should the film have included more Avengers? Share your thoughts in the comments below:
