Captain America: Brave New World - Top WTF Questions Answered

Marvel Studios has launched its 2025 movie lineup with the release of Captain America: Brave New World. However, this sequel suggests a challenging year ahead for the MCU. It falls short of the expectations set for Anthony Mackie's portrayal of Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. For a detailed analysis, check out IGN's Captain America: Brave New World review.

The film often leaves viewers puzzled, with unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters. Who are the new characters Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder? Why does The Leader seem less brilliant than expected? Where are the Hulk and the Avengers? Let's delve into the most perplexing aspects of Captain America: Brave New World.

Captain America: Brave New World Gallery

12 ImagesWhere Was Banner This Whole Time?

After 17 years, Marvel has finally delivered a sequel to The Incredible Hulk with Captain America: Brave New World. The movie ties up many loose ends from Hulk's initial MCU adventure, revealing 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's also the first time since The Incredible Hulk that Liv Tyler has reprised her role as Betty Ross.

However, one key element is missing: the Hulk himself. Why is Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner absent from a story that directly builds upon The Incredible Hulk? Given that Banner would surely have a strong reaction to Thaddeus Ross becoming President and his old friend "Mr. Blue" plotting global chaos, his absence is notable. Additionally, with the news showing a crimson Hulk destroying the White House, Banner's involvement would seem natural.

Banner's absence is particularly striking given that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings established his role in monitoring global threats alongside Captain Marvel, and She-Hulk showed him engaged in research and raising his son, Skaar. Marvel may eventually explain Banner's whereabouts, perhaps suggesting he was off-world with Skaar, but his absence leaves a significant gap in the narrative. Brave New World focuses on Sam Wilson's acceptance of the need for the Avengers, yet only features a brief cameo from Bucky Barnes, highlighting the missed opportunity to include Banner.

Why Does The Leader Think So Small?

Brave New World brings back Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed and holding a grudge against President Ross. With gamma-enhanced intelligence, Sterns should be a tactical mastermind, yet the film fails to convincingly portray his brilliance. He seems to overlook Captain America's potential intervention in his plans, such as his orchestrated war between the US and Japan.

Furthermore, Sterns' decision to surrender during the film's climax is baffling. Why sacrifice his freedom for a simple act like playing a recorded phone call to the press? In the comics, The Leader is a formidable villain with global ambitions, but here, his goals seem limited to humiliating Ross. This narrow focus is disappointing for a character who should be concerned with broader threats, such as the collapse of the multiverse.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)

The climax of Brave New World features a battle between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk. In the comics, Red Hulk is distinct from the traditional Hulk, retaining his intelligence and tactical acumen. However, in the movie, Ross transforms into a mindless, uncontrollable beast, similar to the early Hulk.

While the irony of Ross becoming what he despised is compelling, the film misses the opportunity to present a more comic-accurate Red Hulk. The movie version lacks the strategic edge and unique personality that fans expect, raising hopes for a more nuanced portrayal in future MCU appearances.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

As Red Hulk, Ross exhibits powers similar to the Hulk, including super-strength and invulnerability, as demonstrated by his resistance to bullets. However, Captain America's vibranium blades are able to cut him. This suggests that vibranium, a key material in Sam's arsenal, can penetrate Red Hulk's defenses in ways conventional weapons cannot. This raises anticipation for future confrontations, such as a potential Hulk vs. Wolverine showdown.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a cameo in Brave New World, revealing his new role as an aspiring politician. This development is surprising given Bucky's history and personality, which seem ill-suited for a political career. His past as a manipulated assassin and his age could pose significant challenges to his political aspirations.

While it's enjoyable to see Bucky's bond with Sam acknowledged, his political ambitions feel out of place. Fans can expect more insight into Bucky's political journey in the upcoming Thunderbolts* movie.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent terrorist cell, emerges as a new antagonist in Brave New World. Hired by Sterns to steal adamantium, Sidewinder harbors a deep personal grudge against Captain America, which the film leaves unexplained. His determination to kill Sam, even after capture, suggests a deeper backstory that might have been explored in earlier script versions or 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, introduces a new dynamic to the film. Initially an obstacle to Sam, she becomes an ally as the plot unfolds. However, her role feels underdeveloped and somewhat unnecessary, serving as a minor plot device without significantly impacting the story.

The decision to adapt the Sabra character, albeit significantly altered from the comics, raises questions about why Marvel didn't create a new character instead. Ruth's presence in the film might have been affected by reshoots, which could explain her limited impact.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

Brave New World introduces adamantium to the MCU, a new super-metal that could shift global power dynamics. However, its role in the film is primarily as a plot device, driving tensions between nations. The long-term implications of adamantium's introduction remain unclear, though it paves the way for future storylines, including the eventual debut of Wolverine.

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 touches on the idea of reassembling the team, with Sam Wilson grappling with leadership responsibilities. However, the film stops short of actually bringing the Avengers together, leaving fans waiting for a more substantial team-up before the release of Avengers: Doomsday in 2026.

The final battle in Brave New World could have benefited from the presence of more Avengers, potentially making the conflict with Red Hulk more engaging. Instead, the film focuses solely on Sam's journey, leaving the Avengers' reunion for a future project.

What were your biggest "WTF?!?" moments after watching Brave New World? Do you think the film should have included more Avengers? Share your thoughts in the comments below: