Marvel Studios has launched its 2025 lineup with the release of Captain America: Brave New World. However, this sequel suggests a challenging year ahead for the MCU. Contrary to expectations, the film starring Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, falls short of delivering a compelling narrative (for a deeper dive, see IGN's Captain America: Brave New World review).
Throughout Brave New World, audiences are left puzzled by unresolved plot points and underdeveloped characters. Who are the new characters Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder, and what are their motivations? Why does The Leader, Samuel Sterns, seem less formidable than expected? Where are key figures like the Hulk and the Avengers? Let's delve into the most perplexing questions that arose after watching 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 has finally delivered a sequel to The Incredible Hulk with Captain America: Brave New World. The film ties up many loose ends from Hulk's initial MCU solo adventure, providing updates on Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns and Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross, and even seeing Liv Tyler reprise her role as Betty Ross. However, one crucial element is conspicuously absent: the Hulk himself. Why did Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner not feature in a storyline so intrinsically linked to The Incredible Hulk?
Bruce Banner's absence is particularly striking given his history with Thaddeus Ross and Samuel Sterns. With Ross becoming President and Sterns plotting global chaos, it's hard to believe Banner wouldn't be involved. Moreover, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the She-Hulk series have established Banner's ongoing vigilance over world events and his personal life. Marvel might explain his absence later, perhaps saying he was off-world with his son Skaar, but his omission leaves a noticeable gap in the narrative. Especially as Brave New World focuses on Sam Wilson's journey toward re-establishing the Avengers, yet only offers a fleeting glimpse of 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 his superhuman intellect. Yet, Brave New World fails to fully capture his strategic prowess. Sterns, who should be capable of anticipating every move, repeatedly overlooks Captain America's interventions. His plan to incite war between the US and Japan, for instance, seems shortsighted without accounting for Cap's involvement.
Moreover, his decision to surrender during the film's climax, merely to broadcast a damaging recording, feels anticlimactic. In the comics, The Leader is a formidable mastermind with grand schemes. Here, his motivation seems narrowly focused on humiliating Ross, which feels insufficient for a character aware of impending multiversal threats.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
The film's climax features a showdown between Captain America and President Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk. This transformation, while rooted in the comics, deviates from the source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence and strategic mind, but the movie portrays him as a rage-filled beast, similar to the early Hulk. While the irony of Ross becoming what he despised is compelling, the film misses the opportunity to explore a more nuanced Red Hulk, as seen in the comics.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
Red Hulk's powers mirror those of the Hulk, including invulnerability to bullets. Yet, Captain America's vibranium blades can cut him. This discrepancy likely stems from the unique properties of vibranium, which can pierce Red Hulk's otherwise bulletproof skin. 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 and lack of previous political ambition. His past as a manipulated assassin and his age pose significant challenges to a political career. While it's a nod to his friendship with Sam, Bucky's transition into politics feels out of place and warrants further exploration in future MCU projects like Thunderbolts*.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly? ----------------------------------------------Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder emerges as a new antagonist, leading the Serpent terrorist group. His personal vendetta against Captain America remains unexplained, despite his readiness to kill Sam without payment. The film's significant reshoots might have impacted the clarity of his motivations, leaving fans to hope for more insight 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 and bodyguard to President Ross, introduces a new dynamic to the film. However, her role feels underutilized, transitioning from an obstacle to an ally without significantly impacting the plot. The decision to adapt the Sabra character from the comics, yet deviate so much from her original traits, raises questions about the necessity of her inclusion.
What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now? ------------------------------------Brave New World introduces adamantium to the MCU, a new super-metal discovered amidst the Tiamut fallout. While it serves as a plot device driving global tensions, its broader implications remain unclear. The film hints at its significance for future storylines, particularly with the eventual introduction of Wolverine, but leaves many questions unanswered about its long-term impact on the MCU.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
Despite the introduction of numerous new heroes, the MCU has yet to reform the Avengers. Brave New World teases the idea but stops short of taking action. Sam Wilson's journey toward leadership feels incomplete without a team to lead. The film's climax could have benefited from the inclusion of more Avengers, turning it into a larger team-up event similar to Captain America: Civil War. As we approach Avengers: Doomsday in 2026, the absence of groundwork for an Avengers reunion is noticeable.
What were your thoughts on Captain America: Brave New World? What left you saying "WTF?!?" and do you believe the film should have featured more Avengers? Share your opinions in the comments below and participate in our poll:
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