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 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film, which marks Anthony Mackie's debut as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, has left fans with more questions than answers. For a detailed analysis, you can read IGN's review of "Captain America: Brave New World."

"Brave New World" often leaves viewers puzzled, grappling with unresolved plot points and underdeveloped characters. New characters such as Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder, as well as the portrayal of The Leader, raise several questions. Additionally, the absence of key figures like the Hulk and the Avengers adds to the confusion. Let's delve into the most perplexing questions that arise from the film.

Captain America: Brave New World Gallery

12 ImagesWhere Was Banner This Whole Time?

After 17 years, Marvel finally delivered a sequel to "The Incredible Hulk" with "Captain America: Brave New World." This movie ties up many loose ends from the original Hulk story, including the fate of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns after his gamma exposure and 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 crucial element is conspicuously missing: the Hulk himself. Why was Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner absent from a narrative so closely linked to "The Incredible Hulk"? Given that Banner would have a vested interest in Thaddeus Ross becoming President and Samuel Sterns' transformation into a gamma-irradiated genius, his absence feels glaring. "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" established that Banner and Captain Marvel are monitoring global events post-Avengers, and "She-Hulk" showed him engaged in research and raising his son, Skaar. So, why was he missing during this Hulk-centric crisis?

While Marvel might eventually provide a reason for Banner's absence, perhaps suggesting he was off-world with Skaar, his non-appearance creates a noticeable gap in the storyline. "Brave New World" focuses on Sam Wilson's journey to accepting the necessity of the Avengers, yet it only features a brief cameo from Sebastian Stan's Bucky. Including Banner in any capacity could have enriched the plot.

Why Does The Leader Think So Small?

"Brave New World" brings back Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed with a giant green head and a vendetta against President Ross, thanks to gamma radiation. Sterns, known as The Leader, is supposed to be as intellectually formidable as the Hulk is physically powerful. Yet, the film fails to convincingly showcase his tactical prowess.

Sterns is meant to be a mastermind capable of orchestrating global conflicts, such as the war between the US and Japan. However, he seems to consistently underestimate Captain America's impact. Moreover, his decision to surrender during the film's climax to execute a plan as simple as leaking a phone call to the press feels underwhelming. In the comics, The Leader is a brilliant villain with world-threatening schemes, but here, his motivations seem limited to personal vendettas against Ross, rather than broader, more impactful goals.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

The climax of "Brave New World" features a battle between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk in front of the world. This twist, rooted in Marvel's comics, presents a version of Red Hulk that diverges from the source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence and tactical acumen, but in the movie, he's as mindless and uncontrollable as the early versions of the Green Hulk.

While the irony of Ross becoming what he despised is appreciated, the film's portrayal of Red Hulk as another rage monster is disappointing. This was an opportunity to explore a different aspect of the Hulk archetype—a battle-hardened soldier with limitless strength. Future appearances of Red Hulk in the MCU should hopefully offer a more comic-accurate depiction.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

As Red Hulk, Ross exhibits similar powers to the Hulk, including super-strength and some invulnerability, as evidenced by his ability to withstand bullets. Yet, Captain America's vibranium blades can cut him. The explanation likely lies in the unique properties of vibranium, which allow it to pierce Red Hulk's skin in a way that conventional weapons cannot. This suggests that adamantium, another super-metal, might have similar effects, paving the way for future confrontations like a Hulk vs. Wolverine battle in the MCU.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief cameo in "Brave New World," revealing his new role as an aspiring politician. This development raises eyebrows, as nothing in Bucky's previous MCU appearances hinted at political ambitions. His history as a 110-year-old former assassin with a complex past seems at odds with a political career.

While it's refreshing to see Bucky and Sam's friendship highlighted, his shift to politics feels uncharacteristic. More details about his political journey might be explored in the upcoming "Thunderbolts*" movie.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

With Frank Grillo's Crossbones dead since "Captain America: Civil War," "Brave New World" introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder as a new antagonist. Leading the terrorist group Serpent, Sidewinder's mission involves stealing adamantium, but he harbors a deep, unexplained grudge against Captain America.

Sidewinder's personal vendetta against Sam Wilson remains a mystery, hinting at potential backstory that might have been cut during the film's reshoots. Esposito's future involvement in a Disney+ series could provide more context to this unresolved plotline.

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 turned bodyguard for President Ross. Initially an obstacle, she eventually becomes an ally. However, Ruth's role feels underutilized, serving as a minor hurdle before fading into the background.

The film's adaptation of the Sabra character from the comics is significantly altered, stripping her of her Israeli background and mutant powers. This raises the question of why Marvel chose to adapt Sabra rather than create an entirely new character.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

"Brave New World" introduces adamantium, a new super-metal discovered in the aftermath of "Eternals." While it drives the plot by sparking a global power struggle, its broader implications remain unclear. The Ross/Ozaki Accords hint at a temporary resolution, but the long-term impact of adamantium on the MCU, especially in relation to Wolverine's eventual introduction, is yet to be seen.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

The MCU has been without a cohesive Avengers team for years, despite introducing numerous new heroes. "Brave New World" touches on the idea of reassembling the team, with Ross proposing it and Sam grappling with leadership. Yet, the film does not advance this storyline significantly, leaving fans wondering when the Avengers will reunite.

The absence of more Avengers during the film's climax could have elevated the battle against Red Hulk. "Captain America: Civil War" effectively served as a semi-Avengers movie, and "Brave New World" had the potential to do the same. Instead, the groundwork for the Avengers' return remains minimal, with "Avengers: Doomsday" looming in 2026.

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