Marvel Studios has launched its 2025 slate of movies with the release of *Captain America: Brave New World*. However, if this sequel is anything to go by, it seems we're in for a challenging year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film, marking the first time Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson takes up the mantle of Captain America, falls short of expectations (see IGN's review for a deeper dive).
*Brave New World* often leaves viewers puzzled, grappling with unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters. The introduction of new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder raises questions about their roles and motivations. The Leader, portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson, seems less of a brilliant mastermind and more of a petty antagonist. Moreover, the absence of key figures like the Hulk and the Avengers leaves a noticeable gap in the narrative. Let's delve into the most perplexing aspects of *Captain America: Brave New World*.
Captain America: Brave New World Gallery
12 Images
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 solo adventure in the MCU, including the fate of Samuel Sterns post-gamma exposure, Thaddeus Ross's accountability, and the return of Betty Ross. However, one crucial element is conspicuously absent: Bruce Banner himself. Why was Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner not involved in a story so closely linked to *The Incredible Hulk*?
Given that Banner would have a vested interest in Thaddeus Ross's presidency and the transformation of his friend "Mr. Blue" into a gamma-irradiated genius, his absence feels glaring. Furthermore, with the MCU establishing Banner's role in monitoring global threats alongside Captain Marvel, his exclusion from a crisis involving a Hulk-like figure seems odd. While Marvel may eventually provide a reason for Banner's absence, such as being off-world, the film suffers from a clear narrative gap without him. *Brave New World* emphasizes the need for the Avengers' return, yet only features a brief cameo from Bucky, leaving fans wondering why Banner couldn't have been included.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
*Brave New World* reintroduces Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed and harboring a deep grudge against President Ross. With gamma-enhanced intelligence, Sterns should be a tactical genius. Yet, the film fails to convincingly portray his brilliance. He orchestrates a war between the US and Japan but seemingly overlooks Captain America's potential interference.
Moreover, Sterns' decision to surrender during the film's climax for a seemingly minor masterstroke—revealing a recorded conversation to the press—raises eyebrows. In the comics, The Leader is a formidable villain with global ambitions, yet here he focuses solely on humiliating Ross. This limited motivation feels underwhelming for such a significant character, especially given his ability to foresee apocalyptic scenarios.
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 the Red Hulk. While this twist is rooted in Marvel's comics, the MCU's Red Hulk deviates significantly from the source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, offering a unique contrast to the traditional Hulk. However, in *Brave New World*, Ross's Red Hulk mirrors Banner's early, rage-driven Hulk, lacking the strategic mind and control seen in the comics.
While the irony of Ross becoming what he despises is compelling, fans might feel let down by the lack of a more comic-accurate portrayal. The film misses an opportunity to explore a different facet of the Hulk archetype—a battle-tested soldier with immense strength. Hopefully, future appearances of Red Hulk in the MCU will explore this character more fully.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
As Red Hulk, Ross exhibits Hulk-like powers, including super-strength and near-invulnerability, demonstrated by shrugging off bullets. However, he is vulnerable to Captain America's vibranium blades. The likely explanation is that vibranium, from which Sam's blades and wings are made, can pierce Red Hulk's skin in ways conventional weapons cannot. This sets the stage for future confrontations involving other materials like adamantium.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a cameo, revealing he's now running for Congress. This development feels out of character, given Bucky's history and personality. His past as a manipulated assassin and his age would pose significant challenges to any political campaign. While it's heartening to see his bond with Sam acknowledged, Bucky's sudden shift to politics feels unearned. We'll likely learn more about his political aspirations in the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
With Crossbones out of the picture, *Brave New World* introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder as a new villain. Leading the Serpent terrorist cell, Sidewinder harbors a personal vendetta against Captain America, though the film fails to explain it. His intense desire to kill Sam, even after being captured, leaves viewers puzzled. Given the film's reshoots, it's possible that earlier drafts provided more context for Sidewinder's motivations, which may 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, adds another layer to the story. Initially an obstacle, she becomes an ally. However, her role feels underutilized, serving primarily as a minor hurdle for Sam before fading into the background. The choice 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, a new super-metal discovered amid the race to exploit Tiamut's remains. While it drives the plot as a MacGuffin, its broader implications remain unclear. Is adamantium's introduction a mere plot device, or will it reshape the MCU's power dynamics? Its connection to future characters like Wolverine is evident, but the film leaves us wondering about its long-term impact on the MCU.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
Years after the Avengers disbanded, the MCU has introduced many new heroes, yet there's been no significant progress toward forming a new team. *Brave New World* touches on the idea of reassembling the Avengers, but it lacks follow-through. The film ends with a battle that could have benefited from more Avengers, yet it remains a solo outing for Sam Wilson. As we approach *Avengers: Doomsday* in 2026, the MCU's reluctance to build toward a team-up feels like a missed opportunity.
What were your biggest "WTF?!?" moments in *Captain America: Brave New World*? And do you think the film should have included more Avengers? Share your thoughts 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.
