Marvel Studios has kicked off its 2025 slate with the release of *Captain America: Brave New World*, but this sequel suggests a challenging year ahead for the MCU. The film, starring Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, has left fans with more questions than answers. For a deeper dive into the movie, check out IGN's Captain America: Brave New World review.
*Brave New World* often leaves viewers puzzled with its unresolved plot points and underdeveloped characters. Who are the new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder? Why does The Leader seem less than a brilliant mastermind? And where are key characters like the Hulk and 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?
It's been 17 years since *The Incredible Hulk*, and *Captain America: Brave New World* finally revisits its unresolved threads. We get updates on Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed by gamma exposure, and see Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences for his past actions. Liv Tyler also returns as Betty Ross, adding continuity to the Hulk's narrative. However, the film notably lacks the presence of Bruce Banner, played by Mark Ruffalo.
Given the plot's deep connection to *The Incredible Hulk*, it's surprising that Banner, who has a history with both Sterns and Ross, is absent. With Banner's established role in monitoring global events alongside Captain Marvel in *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* and his ongoing research and family life in *She-Hulk*, his exclusion from this Hulk-centric story feels like a missed opportunity. Marvel might have a reason for his absence, perhaps involving off-world activities with his son Skaar, but this leaves a noticeable gap in the narrative.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
*Brave New World* brings back Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns, now known as The Leader, with a transformed appearance and a vendetta against President Ross. Despite his supposed superhuman intelligence, the film struggles to showcase his tactical prowess. The Leader's plan to instigate a war between the US and Japan seems to overlook Captain America's potential intervention, raising questions about his strategic foresight.
Moreover, his decision to surrender during the film's climax, only to reveal a recorded conversation to the press, feels underwhelming for a character known for his grand schemes in the comics. The Leader's motivation appears to be solely focused on humiliating Ross, which seems insufficient for a villain capable of foreseeing global and multiversal threats. This portrayal feels like a step down from the ambitious mastermind seen in the source material.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
The film's climax features a battle between Captain America and President Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk. This plot twist, rooted in the comics, disappoints by not fully embracing the unique aspects of Red Hulk. In the source material, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a more cunning adversary. However, in *Brave New World*, Ross's transformation mirrors the original Hulk's rage-driven nature, missing an opportunity to showcase a different take on the Hulk archetype.
While the irony of Ross becoming what he despises is compelling, fans might hope for a more comic-accurate Red Hulk in future MCU appearances, perhaps showcasing his tactical acumen and battle experience.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
Red Hulk, like the original Hulk, exhibits super-strength and invulnerability, shrugging off bullets with ease. Yet, Captain America's vibranium blades can pierce his skin, raising questions about his durability. The likely explanation lies in the unique properties of vibranium, suggesting that only materials like vibranium or adamantium can harm him. This sets the stage for potential future conflicts with characters like Wolverine.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief appearance, revealing his new career path as an aspiring politician. This development raises eyebrows, as Bucky's past as the Winter Soldier and his complex history seem at odds with political ambitions. While it's refreshing to see his character evolve and maintain his connection with Sam Wilson, the transition to politics feels uncharacteristic and leaves fans curious about his motivations and future in the MCU, possibly explored in the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, leader of the terrorist group Serpent, emerges as a new antagonist in *Brave New World*. His intense personal vendetta against Captain America remains unexplained, leaving viewers puzzled. Despite his capture and subsequent escape plans centered around killing Cap, the film offers no clear insight into their rivalry. This might be due to the extensive reshoots, which reportedly altered the original script. Sidewinder's future in a Disney+ series could shed more light on his motivations.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
Shira Haas plays Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative turned bodyguard for President Ross. While she initially opposes Sam Wilson, she eventually becomes an ally. However, her role in the overarching plot feels underwhelming, serving more as a minor obstacle than a pivotal character. The decision to adapt the Sabra character, significantly altered from her comic book counterpart, raises questions about the necessity of her inclusion without a clear narrative purpose.
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 remains. While it serves as a plot device driving global tensions, its long-term implications remain unclear. The introduction of adamantium hints at future storylines, particularly the eventual introduction of Wolverine, but its immediate impact on the MCU's world feels minimal. The film leaves fans wondering how this new element will influence the MCU moving forward.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
Years after *Endgame*, the MCU still lacks a reformed Avengers team despite introducing numerous new heroes. *Brave New World* touches on the idea of reassembling the Avengers, with Sam Wilson contemplating his role as a leader, but it fails to take concrete steps toward forming a new team. The film's climax could have benefited from the presence of other heroes, making the battle against Red Hulk more dynamic. As *Avengers: Doomsday* approaches, the lack of groundwork for a team-up feels like a missed opportunity to build excitement and continuity.
What did you find most baffling about *Captain America: Brave New World*? Should the film have included more Avengers characters? Share your thoughts in the comments below and vote in our poll:
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