Marvel Studios has kicked off its 2025 slate of movies with the release of *Captain America: Brave New World*. However, if this sequel is any indication, the MCU might be in for a bumpy year. It's not the strong outing we were hoping for from the first film to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. For a deeper dive into the film, check out IGN's Captain America: Brave New World review.
At times, *Brave New World* left audiences puzzled and grappling with unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters. What's the backstory with new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder? Why does The Leader seem less like the brilliant mastermind we know from the comics? And where are key figures like the Hulk and the Avengers? Let's delve into the biggest "WTF" moments from *Captain America: Brave New World*.
Captain America: Brave New World Gallery
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Where Was Banner This Whole Time?
It only took 17 years, but Marvel finally provided a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* with *Captain America: Brave New World*. The film ties up many loose ends from Hulk's first (and so far only) solo MCU adventure. We finally see what happened to Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns after his gamma exposure. Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross faces the consequences of his actions, and it marks the first time since *The Incredible Hulk* that Liv Tyler has reprised her role as Betty Ross.
Yet, amidst all this, one crucial element is missing: the Hulk himself. Why did Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner have no role in a story so closely linked to *The Incredible Hulk*? Surely, Banner would have a strong reaction to his old nemesis becoming the President of the United States, or to his friend "Mr. Blue" turning into a gamma-irradiated super-genius plotting global chaos. And wouldn't he want to intervene when a crimson Hulk is seen rampaging through the White House?
It wouldn't have been difficult to justify Banner's inclusion. *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* established that Banner, alongside Captain Marvel, is monitoring global events post-Avengers. *She-Hulk* showed him busy with research and raising his son, Skaar. So, why was Banner completely absent during this Hulk-related crisis?
Marvel might eventually explain Banner's absence, perhaps saying he was off-world with Skaar. However, this doesn't change the fact that his absence leaves a noticeable gap in *Brave New World*'s plot. The film is about Sam Wilson accepting the need for the Avengers to regroup, yet it only offers a brief cameo from Sebastian Stan's Bucky. Surely, there was room to include Banner in some capacity.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
*Brave New World* marks the return of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, who has transformed significantly since *The Incredible Hulk*. Now sporting a giant green head and a deep-seated grudge against President Ross, Sterns has become superhumanly intelligent thanks to gamma radiation.
However, the film doesn't convincingly showcase Sterns' tactical brilliance. He's supposed to be a master of probabilities and planning, yet he consistently overlooks Captain America's potential interventions. We're meant to believe he orchestrated a war between the US and Japan, yet didn't account for Cap's involvement?
Moreover, it's puzzling why Sterns surrenders during the film's climax. Why did he need to give up his freedom to execute his final move against Ross, which was simply playing a recorded phone call to the press? Why not remain at large and continue plotting?
*Brave New World* feels strangely unambitious, especially with Sterns. In the comics, he's known as The Leader, a brilliant mastermind who has threatened the world multiple times. Here, his motivation seems limited to humiliating Ross, which feels small for such a significant villain. If Sterns has calculated the collapse of the multiverse, shouldn't he be more focused on that than on tarnishing Ross's reputation?
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)
*Brave New World* culminates in an epic battle between Cap and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk in front of the world. This plot twist, rooted in Marvel's comics, presents a different take on the Red Hulk than fans are used to.
In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a smarter, more ruthless monster. However, in the movie, Ross is as mindless and uncontrollable as the early Hulk, even calmed by thoughts of Betty. While the irony of Ross becoming what he despised is appreciated, it's disappointing that *Brave New World* doesn't offer a more comic-accurate Red Hulk. This was an opportunity to showcase a battle-tested soldier with limitless strength. Hopefully, future MCU appearances of Red Hulk will take a different direction.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
As Red Hulk, Ross has powers similar to the Hulk, including super-strength and invulnerability. He shrugs off bullets, yet Cap's projectile blades cut him. The likely explanation is vibranium, the material of Sam's blades and wings, which can pierce Red Hulk's flesh in a way traditional weapons can't. This suggests that adamantium, even more durable than vibranium, could have similar effects, setting the stage for a future Hulk vs. Wolverine showdown in the MCU.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief cameo, revealing he's now an aspiring politician on the campaign trail. This raises questions about why Bucky, with his history of being manipulated into assassinations, would pursue politics. His past seems like a significant obstacle to any political career.
While it's great to see Bucky and Sam's bromance continue, the idea of the angsty, anti-social Bucky becoming a politician is puzzling. We'll likely learn more about his political aspirations in the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
With Crossbones gone, *Brave New World* introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, leader of the terrorist group Serpent. Sidewinder is hired by Sterns to steal adamantium from Japan but seems to have a personal vendetta against Captain America that's never fully explained. He admits he'd kill Sam for free and vows to finish the job even after being captured.
What exactly is Sidewinder's beef with Cap? The film leaves this question unanswered. It's possible an earlier script explored their rivalry more deeply, especially given the significant reshoots *Brave New World* underwent. With Esposito hinting at Sidewinder's future in a Disney+ series, this thread needs resolution.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
In the absence of Black Widow and Sharon Carter, *Brave New World* introduces Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative now working as President Ross's bodyguard. Initially at odds with Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, Ruth's role feels underdeveloped, serving as a minor obstacle before fading into the background.
It seems Marvel felt compelled to include a Black Widow-like character without fully utilizing her. Additionally, the MCU's version of Ruth differs significantly from the comic's Sabra, raising questions about why Marvel chose to adapt this character at all rather than creating a new one.
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. It serves as a plot device, driving global powers to the brink of war. However, its introduction leaves us wondering about its long-term impact and how it will reshape the MCU's world.
While adamantium's introduction paves the way for Wolverine's debut, its broader implications remain unclear. Will it be as significant as vibranium, or is the Ross/Ozaki Accords just a temporary solution? Given the MCU's pace, it might take years before adamantium's role is fully explored.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
It's been years since the MCU had an Avengers team, and despite introducing many new heroes, there's been little progress toward reuniting them. By the end of Phase 2, we had two Avengers movies, but now, at the end of Phase 5, the Avengers seem no closer to reforming.
*Brave New World* touches on the idea of regrouping the Avengers, with Ross suggesting it and Sam considering leadership. However, the film doesn't go further. The climactic battle could have benefited from more Avengers, making it more engaging. Instead, the new Avengers will start from scratch when *Avengers: Doomsday* arrives in 2026.
What did you think of *Captain America: Brave New World*? What moments left you saying "WTF?!?" 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.
