Marvel Studios has kicked off its 2025 slate with the release of *Captain America: Brave New World*. However, if this sequel is any indication, it might be a challenging year for the MCU. The film, starring Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, didn't meet the high expectations set by fans and critics alike (for more insights, see IGN's *Captain America: Brave New World* review).
Throughout Brave New World, viewers were often left puzzled by unresolved plot points and underdeveloped characters. The introduction of new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder left many questions unanswered. Additionally, the portrayal of The Leader seemed to fall short of expectations, and the absence of key figures like the Hulk and the Avengers raised eyebrows. Let's delve into the biggest "WTF" moments from 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 in Captain America: Brave New World. The movie ties up many loose ends from Hulk's solo adventure, shedding light on the fate of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns after his gamma exposure, and showing Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences for his actions. It also marks the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross.
However, one glaring omission is the absence of the Hulk himself. Why didn't Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner play a role in this story, which directly builds on The Incredible Hulk? Given Banner's history with Ross and Sterns, his absence feels like a missed opportunity. It's especially puzzling considering that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings established Banner and Captain Marvel as global watchdogs post-Avengers disbandment, and She-Hulk showed him busy with research and parenting Skaar.
While Marvel might explain Banner's absence as him being off-world with Skaar, it doesn't change the fact that his absence leaves a noticeable gap in the plot. Brave New World focuses on Sam Wilson's journey to embrace the need for the Avengers, yet it barely includes any familiar faces from the team, with only a brief cameo from Sebastian Stan's Bucky.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
Brave New World marks the return of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed and sporting a green noggin with a major grudge against President Ross. With gamma-enhanced intelligence, Sterns should be a tactical mastermind. Yet, the film struggles to showcase his brilliance.
Sterns orchestrates a war between the US and Japan but inexplicably fails to account for Captain America's intervention. His decision to turn himself in during the climax also raises questions. Why surrender when his final act against Ross was simply playing a recording of their conversation to the press? Why not remain at large to devise more schemes?
The film's portrayal of Sterns feels underwhelming compared to his comic book counterpart, The Leader, a supervillain mastermind who threatens the world. In Brave New World, his motivation seems limited to humiliating Ross, which feels insufficient for such a significant villain, especially one aware of impending global crises.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
The film's climax features a battle between Cap and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk in front of the world. While rooted in comic lore, the MCU's Red Hulk deviates significantly from the source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a strategic and ruthless fighter. In contrast, the film's Red Hulk is as mindless and uncontrollable as the early versions of the Green Hulk, even calmed by thoughts of Betty.
While the irony of Ross becoming what he despised is compelling, it's disappointing that Brave New World doesn't capture the unique aspects of Red Hulk from the comics. The film missed an opportunity to showcase a different take on the Hulk archetype—a battle-hardened soldier with limitless strength.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
Red Hulk exhibits similar powers to the Hulk, including super-strength and invulnerability, as evidenced by his ability to shrug off bullets. However, Captain America's projectile blades manage to cut him. This discrepancy likely stems from the blades being made of Wakandan vibranium, which can pierce Red Hulk's flesh in ways traditional weapons cannot. This suggests that adamantium, even more durable than vibranium, might have a similar effect, setting the stage for future MCU battles, like a showdown with Wolverine.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief cameo, revealing his new path as an aspiring politician. This development raises questions, as nothing in Bucky's previous MCU appearances hinted at political ambitions. Given his history as a 110-year-old man manipulated into assassinations, his political career seems unlikely to succeed.
While it's heartwarming to see Sam and Bucky's friendship highlighted, Bucky's transition to politics feels out of place. More clarity on his new path may come in the upcoming Thunderbolts movie.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
With Frank Grillo's Crossbones out of the picture, Brave New World introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent terrorist cell. Hired by Sterns to steal adamantium, Sidewinder harbors a personal vendetta against Captain America that the film never fully explains. His willingness to kill Sam for free and his determination to finish the job even after capture suggest a deep-seated grudge.
The lack of clarity on Sidewinder's motivations might be due to significant reshoots, which reportedly cut other Serpent members, like Seth Rollins' character. Esposito's hints at Sidewinder's future in a Disney+ series indicate that this thread may be explored further.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
In the absence of Black Widow and Sharon Carter, Brave New World introduces Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative and President Ross's bodyguard. Initially an obstacle to Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, Ruth's role in the larger narrative feels minimal, serving more as a Black Widow archetype without a clear purpose.
The decision to adapt the Sabra character from the comics, despite significant changes (no longer an Israeli operative or mutant with superpowers), raises questions about why Marvel didn't create an entirely new character.
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 tension, its broader implications remain unclear. Is this the last we'll see of adamantium-related conflicts, or will the Ross/Ozaki Accords merely delay further issues?
The introduction of adamantium paves the way for Wolverine's eventual MCU debut, but its long-term impact on the world remains to be seen. Given Marvel's track record with integrating plot points from previous films, it might be some time before we see adamantium's full effect.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
Years after the Avengers disbanded, Marvel has introduced numerous new heroes, yet the team's reformation remains elusive. By the end of Phase 2, we had multiple Avengers movies, but now, at the tail-end of Phase 5, we're still waiting for their return. With Avengers: Doomsday looming, the groundwork for a reunion seems lacking.
Brave New World hints at reassembling the team, with Ross suggesting the idea and Sam contemplating leadership. However, the film doesn't take significant steps toward this goal. The final battle could have benefited from more Avengers, turning it into a larger team-up akin to Captain America: Civil War. Instead, the new Avengers will start from scratch when Doomsday arrives in 2026.
What do you think? What had you saying “WTF?!?” after watching Brave New World? And should we have gotten more Avengers in the latest Captain America movie? Vote in our poll and let us know what you think in the comments below:
