Marvel Studios kicked off its 2025 slate with the much-anticipated release of *Captain America: Brave New World*. However, this sequel has left fans and critics alike puzzled and unsatisfied. As the first film to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson stepping into the iconic role of Captain America, many were hoping for a strong start, but the movie falls short of expectations (for a detailed analysis, check out IGN's review of *Captain America: Brave New World*).
*Brave New World* often leaves viewers with more questions than answers, particularly around the underdeveloped new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder, as well as the seemingly diminished brilliance of The Leader. Moreover, the absence of key characters like the Hulk and the Avengers raises significant concerns. Let's delve into the major "WTF" questions that linger after watching this film.
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 many loose ends from Hulk's initial MCU adventure. We learn what happened to Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns post-gamma exposure, see Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences, and witness Liv Tyler reprise her role as Betty Ross. However, one crucial element is glaringly absent: Bruce Banner himself. Mark Ruffalo's character, who should have a vested interest in these developments, especially with his old nemesis Thaddeus Ross now President, is nowhere to be seen.
Given that *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* established Banner as a vigilant guardian alongside Captain Marvel, and *She-Hulk* showed him busy with research and raising his son Skaar, his absence during this Hulk-centric crisis is perplexing. While Marvel may have a future explanation, such as Banner being off-world, his absence leaves a noticeable gap in the narrative. *Brave New World* emphasizes the need for the Avengers to regroup, yet fails to include more than a fleeting appearance from Bucky Barnes.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
*Brave New World* brings back Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed into The Leader with a superhuman intellect. However, the film struggles to showcase his supposed tactical genius. Despite his ability to calculate probabilities, Sterns repeatedly underestimates Captain America, which strains believability. Additionally, his decision to turn himself in to execute a plan that merely involves leaking a phone call to the press seems underwhelming for a villain of his caliber.
In the comics, The Leader is a mastermind with global ambitions, yet in the movie, his motivations seem reduced to a personal vendetta against Ross. This simplification feels like a missed opportunity to explore a more complex antagonist concerned with larger threats like the impending multiverse collapse.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
The climax of *Brave New World* features a battle between Captain America and President Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk. While this plot twist is rooted in the comics, the MCU's version deviates significantly. Unlike the comic version, where Red Hulk retains his intelligence and tactical acumen, the film's Red Hulk is as mindless and rage-driven as the early Hulk. This similarity feels like a missed opportunity to introduce a more nuanced version of the Hulk archetype.
The irony of Ross becoming the very thing he despised is clear, but fans hoped for a more faithful adaptation that could showcase Red Hulk's unique qualities. Future appearances of Red Hulk in the MCU might hopefully provide a more distinctive portrayal.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
Red Hulk, much like the original, displays super-strength and invulnerability, shrugging off bullets effortlessly. However, Captain America's vibranium blades manage to pierce his skin. This can be explained by the unique properties of vibranium, which is capable of cutting through materials that bullets cannot. This sets the stage for potential future conflicts involving other super-strong materials like adamantium.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief appearance, revealing he's now running for Congress. This development feels jarring, given Bucky's history as the Winter Soldier and his lack of prior political interest. It's intriguing to see him evolve, but the leap to politics seems uncharacteristic and unexplained. His new path will likely be explored further in the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder emerges as the new secondary villain, leading the terrorist group Serpent. His personal vendetta against Captain America is evident but unexplained, leaving audiences puzzled. With significant reshoots impacting the film, it's possible a clearer backstory was cut. Esposito's future involvement in a Disney+ series may address this dangling thread.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative now working for President Ross, is introduced as a potential ally to Captain America. However, her role feels underutilized, serving mainly as a minor obstacle before fading into the background. Her adaptation from the comic character Sabra is significantly altered, raising questions about why Marvel chose to include her at all rather than create an entirely new character.
What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?
*Brave New World* introduces adamantium, a new super-metal linked to the aftermath of *Eternals*. While it serves as the plot's MacGuffin, driving global tensions, its broader implications for the MCU remain unclear. Its introduction paves the way for Wolverine's eventual arrival, but whether it will have a lasting impact similar to vibranium 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* hints at the need for their return, with Sam Wilson contemplating leadership, but fails to take concrete steps towards reuniting the team. The absence of more Avengers during the film's climax feels like a missed opportunity to build towards *Avengers: Doomsday* in 2026.
What do you think? What left you scratching your head after watching *Brave New World*? And should more Avengers have been included in the latest Captain America movie? Share your thoughts in the comments below:
