Captain America: Brave New World - Our Biggest WTF Questions

Marvel Studios launched its 2025 film slate with Captain America: Brave New World, a sequel that, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired. While Anthony Mackie shines as the new Captain America, the film presents several perplexing plot points and underdeveloped characters, leaving audiences with more questions than answers. Our review highlights some of the most glaring issues.

From the puzzling introduction of characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder to the underwhelming portrayal of The Leader, and the conspicuous absence of key players like the Hulk and other Avengers, Brave New World raises numerous concerns. Let's delve into the biggest mysteries.

Captain America: Brave New World Gallery

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Where Was Banner This Whole Time?

Seventeen years later, Marvel finally delivers a sequel to The Incredible Hulk within Captain America: Brave New World. This film addresses lingering questions from Hulk's solo debut, revealing the fate of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns and the consequences faced by Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross. Liv Tyler also returns as Betty Ross. However, a crucial element is missing: the Hulk himself. Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner's absence is baffling, especially given the direct connection to The Incredible Hulk. Banner's reaction to Sterns' transformation into a gamma-irradiated mastermind and the ensuing chaos involving the White House would have been pivotal. Considering Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings established Banner's role in monitoring global threats alongside Captain Marvel, his absence in this Hulk-centric crisis is inexplicable. While Marvel might offer an explanation involving Skaar, the plot feels incomplete without Banner's involvement. The film emphasizes the need for a new Avengers team, yet only includes a brief cameo from Bucky Barnes. Banner's inclusion would have strengthened the narrative.

Why Does The Leader Think So Small?

Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now The Leader, is a significant presence, but his strategic brilliance is questionable. Despite his intellect, he consistently overlooks Captain America's potential interference. Orchestrating a war between the US and Japan, yet failing to anticipate Cap's intervention, seems illogical. His surrender at the climax is equally perplexing. Why relinquish freedom to play a recording of a phone call to the press, when remaining at large would allow for future schemes? The Leader's motivation appears limited to humiliating Ross, falling short of the complex, world-threatening mastermind depicted in the comics. His calculated prediction of a multiverse collapse suggests a more significant concern than ruining Ross's reputation.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

The film culminates in a battle between Cap and a transformed President Ross, who becomes Red Hulk. While this draws from the comics, the MCU's Red Hulk differs significantly. The comic book version retains intelligence and tactical prowess, unlike the movie's mindless, rage-filled portrayal. The irony of Ross becoming what he hated is appreciated, but the missed opportunity to present a different Hulk archetype—a battle-hardened soldier with immense strength—is disappointing.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

Red Hulk's invulnerability is demonstrated by his resistance to bullets. However, Cap's vibranium blades pierce his skin. This suggests vibranium's unique properties, possibly exceeding adamantium's durability, which warrants a future Hulk vs. Wolverine confrontation.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Bucky Barnes' cameo reveals his political aspirations. His transformation into an aspiring politician feels incongruous with his past, particularly his history of assassination and manipulation. While the reunion with Sam is appreciated, Bucky's political career requires further explanation.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

Sidewinder's intense hatred for Captain America remains unexplained. His personal vendetta, even after capture, suggests a deeper, unexplored conflict. Reshoots and the possibility of a Disney+ series might shed light on this unresolved issue.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

Ruth Bat-Seraph, a Black Widow archetype, serves a limited purpose. Her initial antagonism towards Sam transitions into an alliance, but her role remains underdeveloped. The adaptation of the Sabra character from the comics, without retaining her Israeli operative or mutant aspects, raises questions about the necessity of adapting this particular character rather than creating a new one.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

Adamantium's introduction is significant, but its impact on the MCU remains unclear. While it serves as a plot device, its long-term consequences and its comparison to vibranium are left unanswered. Its connection to Wolverine's eventual debut is obvious, but its broader implications are yet to be seen.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

The absence of an Avengers team is striking. Despite introducing new heroes, Marvel has yet to assemble them. Brave New World hints at the team's reformation, but lacks substantial groundwork. The film's climax could have benefited from additional Avengers, highlighting the missed opportunity to create a larger team-up event and better prepare for Avengers: Doomsday.

For further insights into Captain America: Brave New World and the future of the MCU, explore our ending explained breakdown and discover upcoming Marvel movies and series.