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Marvel Studios has launched its 2025 movie lineup with "Captain America: Brave New World," and if this sequel is any indication, it's going to be a challenging year for the MCU. Unfortunately, it didn't meet expectations as the first film to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America (for a detailed review, check out IGN's Captain America: Brave New World review).
The film often leaves viewers puzzled with its unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters. Who exactly are the new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder? Why does The Leader seem less than the brilliant mastermind we expected? And where are key characters like the Hulk and the Avengers? Let's dive into the biggest "WTF" questions that arise after watching "Captain America: Brave New World."
Captain America: Brave New World Gallery
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Where Was Banner This Whole Time?
After 17 years, 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 initial solo adventure in the MCU, revealing what happened to Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns after his gamma exposure. It also sees Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences for his actions, and marks Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross for the first time since "The Incredible Hulk."
However, one crucial element is missing: the Hulk himself. Why was Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner absent from a story that directly follows from "The Incredible Hulk"? Given Banner's history with his nemesis, now President of the United States, and his old friend "Mr. Blue" becoming a gamma-irradiated mastermind, it's surprising he wasn't involved. Furthermore, with news footage of a crimson Hulk wreaking havoc at the White House, Banner's absence is even more glaring.
Considering "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" showed Banner and Captain Marvel keeping a watchful eye on the world post-Avengers, and his ongoing research and family life detailed in "She-Hulk," his absence feels like a missed opportunity. Marvel may have a reason for this, such as Banner being off-world with Skaar, but it still leaves a noticeable gap in the plot. "Brave New World" emphasizes the need for the Avengers to regroup, yet only features a brief cameo from Sebastian Stan's Bucky. Including Banner could have enriched the narrative significantly.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small? -----------------------------------"Brave New World" brings back Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed into The Leader with a giant green head and a vendetta against President Ross. Sterns is supposed to be as intellectually powerful as the Hulk is physically strong, but the film doesn't convincingly showcase his tactical genius. He seems to consistently overlook Captain America's potential interventions, despite supposedly being able to calculate all probabilities.
Additionally, it's puzzling why Sterns turns himself in during the climax, especially when his ultimate plan is simply to play a recording of a phone call to the press. Why not remain at large to continue his schemes? In the comics, The Leader is a formidable mastermind with global ambitions, but in the film, his motivation appears limited to personal vendettas against Ross, which feels underwhelming for such a significant villain.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
The climax of "Brave New World" features an epic battle between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk. While this plot twist is rooted in the comics, the MCU's version deviates significantly. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence and tactical prowess, but in the movie, he's depicted as just as uncontrollable and rage-driven as the early Hulk. This portrayal misses the opportunity to explore a different, more strategic side of the Hulk character. It's ironic that Ross becomes what he despises, but fans might have appreciated a more comic-accurate Red Hulk.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
As Red Hulk, Ross exhibits Hulk-like powers, including super-strength and invulnerability to bullets. Yet, Captain America's vibranium blades manage to cut him. The likely explanation is that vibranium's unique properties allow it to penetrate Red Hulk's defenses, unlike conventional weapons. This sets the stage for potential future confrontations involving other durable materials like adamantium.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief cameo, revealing his new career path as an aspiring politician. This development raises questions, as nothing in his previous MCU appearances hinted at political ambitions. Given his century-long history and past as a manipulated assassin, his entry into politics seems unlikely and perhaps problematic. While it's great to see the continuation of his bond with Sam, the film leaves us curious about how Bucky's political journey will unfold, especially with "Thunderbolts*" on the horizon.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly? ----------------------------------------------With Crossbones gone, "Brave New World" introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder as a new antagonist. Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent terrorist cell, is hired by Sterns to steal adamantium. However, his personal vendetta against Captain America is left unexplained. Despite being captured, Sidewinder's determination to kill Cap remains strong, hinting at a deeper rivalry that the film doesn't explore. Given the reshoots and changes to the script, it's possible that a more detailed backstory was cut. Esposito's tease of Sidewinder's future in a Disney+ series suggests this thread might be picked up later.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative turned bodyguard for President Ross, fills the void left by Black Widow and Sharon Carter. Initially at odds with Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, her role feels somewhat superfluous, serving as a minor obstacle before fading into the background. Marvel's decision to adapt the Sabra character from the comics, while significantly altering her origins and powers, raises questions about why not create a new character instead. The impact of reshoots on her role remains unclear.
What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now? ------------------------------------"Brave New World" introduces adamantium to the MCU, discovered during the race to exploit Tiamut's remains. While it serves as a plot device driving global conflict, its broader implications for the MCU remain unclear. The Ross/Ozaki Accords suggest a temporary resolution, but whether adamantium will become as pivotal as vibranium remains to be seen. Its introduction paves the way for Wolverine's eventual debut, but other ramifications are yet to be explored.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
Years after the Avengers disbanded, the MCU has introduced many new heroes, yet there's no sign of an Avengers reunion. By the end of Phase 2, the team was already well-established, but now, at the end of Phase 5, progress towards a new Avengers team seems stagnant. "Brave New World" touches on the idea of regrouping the Avengers, with Sam accepting leadership, but it doesn't advance the plot significantly. The film's climactic battle could have benefited from more Avengers, making it feel like a missed opportunity to build towards "Avengers: Doomsday" in 2026.
What were your biggest "WTF" moments after watching "Captain America: Brave New World"? Should the film 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.
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