Marvel Studios has kicked off its 2025 slate of movies with the release of "Captain America: Brave New World," but if this sequel is any indication, the MCU might be in for a challenging year. Unfortunately, the film doesn't deliver the strong performance we expected from Anthony Mackie's debut as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson. For a deeper dive, check out IGN's review of "Captain America: Brave New World."
The movie leaves audiences puzzled with its unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters. From the mysterious motives of new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder to The Leader's seemingly diminished brilliance, there's much to unpack. And where are key figures like the Hulk and the Avengers? Let's delve into the biggest head-scratchers from "Captain America: Brave New World."
Captain America: Brave New World Gallery
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Where Was Banner This Whole Time?
It took 17 years, but Marvel finally delivered a sequel to "The Incredible Hulk" with "Captain America: Brave New World." The movie ties up many loose ends from Hulk's first solo MCU adventure, giving us updates on Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns and Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross, and even bringing back Liv Tyler as Betty Ross. Yet, one crucial element is missing: the Hulk himself. Why is Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner absent from a story so closely tied to "The Incredible Hulk"?
Banner's reaction to Thaddeus Ross becoming the President and his old friend "Mr. Blue" turning into a gamma-irradiated super-genius plotting global chaos seems like a given. And with news of a crimson Hulk rampaging through the White House, one would expect Banner to step in. After all, "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and "She-Hulk" established that Banner remains active in monitoring global threats and raising his son, Skaar. So, why was he missing during this Hulk-centric crisis?
While Marvel may eventually provide an explanation, perhaps stating that Banner was off-world with Skaar, the absence leaves a noticeable gap in the narrative. "Brave New World" is about Sam Wilson embracing the need for the Avengers to reunite, yet it only offers a fleeting glimpse of Sebastian Stan's Bucky. Including Banner in any capacity could have enriched the plot and reinforced the film's themes.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
"Brave New World" reintroduces Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed into a gamma-powered genius with a vendetta against President Ross. However, the film struggles to portray Sterns as the tactical mastermind he's supposed to be. Despite his ability to calculate probabilities, Sterns repeatedly overlooks Captain America's potential interventions, such as when he orchestrates a war between the US and Japan.
Moreover, Sterns' decision to surrender during the film's climax raises questions. Why did he need to give up his freedom just to expose Ross to the press? This move seems counterintuitive for someone who could continue plotting from the shadows. In the comics, The Leader is a formidable villain with global ambitions, but here, his motivation seems limited to humiliating Ross, a rather small goal for such a significant character. Given his foresight into Earth's potential doomsday, one would expect grander schemes from Sterns.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
The film's climax features an epic showdown between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk. This twist, while rooted in the comics, deviates from the source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a strategic and ruthless adversary. In "Brave New World," however, Ross transforms into a mindless, uncontrollable beast, much like the early versions of the Hulk, even calmed by thoughts of Betty.
While the irony of Ross becoming what he despised is compelling, the film misses the chance to showcase a more comic-accurate Red Hulk. A battle-tested soldier with limitless strength could have offered a fresh take on the Hulk archetype. Hopefully, future MCU appearances of Red Hulk will explore this different direction.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
As Red Hulk, Ross exhibits powers similar to the Hulk, including super-strength and a degree of invulnerability, evident when he shrugs off bullets. Yet, Captain America's blades cut him. The likely explanation is that these blades are made of vibranium, a material from Wakanda capable of piercing Red Hulk's skin in ways traditional weapons cannot. This suggests that adamantium, even more durable than vibranium, might also be effective against him, setting the stage for potential future confrontations, like a Hulk vs. Wolverine battle.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief appearance in "Brave New World," revealing his new career path as an aspiring politician. This development raises eyebrows, given Bucky's history of being a 110-year-old man manipulated into assassinations throughout the 20th century. What prompted Bucky to pursue politics, and how does he plan to navigate his complex past?
While it's heartening to see Bucky and Sam's bromance continue, his political aspirations seem out of character. We'll likely learn more about his political journey in the upcoming "Thunderbolts*" movie, but for now, it remains a puzzling subplot.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
With Frank Grillo's Crossbones gone, "Brave New World" introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder as a new villain leading the terrorist cell Serpent. Sidewinder's intense personal vendetta against Captain America is never fully explained, despite his willingness to kill Sam for free and his determination to finish the job even after capture.
The film's reshoots may have impacted the clarity of Sidewinder's motivations. With Esposito hinting at Sidewinder's future role in a Disney+ series, this unresolved plot point is one to watch.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative and President Ross's bodyguard, joins the MCU as a new government agent. Initially clashing with Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, her role feels underdeveloped, serving mainly as a minor obstacle before fading into the background.
Marvel's decision to adapt the Sabra character, while significantly altering her from the comics, raises questions. Without her Israeli background or mutant powers, one wonders why the character wasn't simply created anew, especially considering the reshoots may have affected her storyline.
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 long-term impact remains unclear. Will adamantium reshape the world as vibranium did, or will it be a fleeting concern?
The introduction of adamantium sets the stage for Wolverine's eventual MCU debut, but its broader implications are yet to be seen. Given Marvel's track record, it may take time before adamantium's significance is fully explored in future projects.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
Years after the Avengers disbanded, the MCU has introduced numerous new heroes, yet the team remains absent. "Brave New World" teases the idea of reuniting the Avengers, with Sam Wilson wrestling with his role as a potential leader. However, the film does little to advance this storyline, leaving fans waiting for a proper Avengers reunion.
The movie's climactic battle could have benefited from additional Avengers, turning it into a more engaging team-up. Instead, the groundwork for a new Avengers team seems to be on hold until "Avengers: Doomsday" in 2026. "Brave New World" had the potential to be a pivotal moment in the MCU's Multiverse Saga, yet it leaves the Avengers' future hanging in the balance.
What were your biggest "WTF?!?" moments after watching "Brave New World"? Should the film have included more Avengers characters? Share your thoughts in the comments below:
