Captain America: Brave New World - Top WTF Questions Answered

Marvel Studios has launched its 2025 slate of movies with the release of *Captain America: Brave New World*, but the film has left fans with more questions than answers. As the first movie to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, it promised a fresh start for the MCU. However, as noted in IGN's review, it falls short of expectations, leaving audiences puzzled by unresolved plot points and underdeveloped characters.

From new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder to the underwhelming portrayal of The Leader, *Brave New World* raises numerous questions. Why does The Leader seem less than brilliant? Where is the Hulk? And why are the Avengers missing in action? Let's delve into the most perplexing aspects of this sequel.

Captain America: Brave New World Gallery

12 ImagesWhere Was Banner This Whole Time?

After 17 years, Marvel finally revisited the story of *The Incredible Hulk* in *Captain America: Brave New World*. The film ties up several loose ends from the Hulk's solo adventure, revealing what happened to Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns post-gamma exposure, showcasing Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences for his past actions, and marking Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross. Yet, one glaring absence remains: Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk.

Given the film's deep ties to *The Incredible Hulk*, it's surprising that Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is nowhere to be seen. With President Ross turning into the Hulk's nemesis and "Mr. Blue" plotting global chaos, Banner's absence feels like a missed opportunity. Especially since *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* confirmed Banner's role in monitoring global threats alongside Captain Marvel. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in the narrative, particularly as the film pushes the idea of reassembling the Avengers.

*Brave New World* sees the return of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed into The Leader with a gamma-enhanced intellect. However, the film struggles to portray him as the tactical genius he's meant to be. His plans seem to overlook Captain America's potential interference, and his decision to turn himself in during the climax feels anticlimactic. In the comics, The Leader is a mastermind with global ambitions, but here, his focus is narrowly on humiliating President Ross. It's a disappointing portrayal of a character who should be a major threat to the world.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)

The film's climax features an epic battle between Captain America and President Ross, who transforms into the Red Hulk. While this plot point has roots in the comics, the MCU's Red Hulk deviates significantly from its source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a cunning and strategic monster. However, in the movie, he's depicted as a mindless brute, similar to the early Hulk. This missed opportunity to showcase a different take on the Hulk archetype leaves fans wanting more from the character's development.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

Despite Red Hulk's apparent invulnerability to bullets, Captain America's vibranium blades manage to cut him. This can be attributed to the unique properties of vibranium, which is capable of piercing Red Hulk's skin in ways traditional weapons cannot. This sets the stage for future confrontations, perhaps even a battle with Wolverine, whose adamantium claws could pose a similar threat.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief appearance, revealing his new role as a politician on the campaign trail. This development raises eyebrows, given Bucky's history as the Winter Soldier and his lack of prior political aspirations. While it's a nod to his friendship with Sam, it feels out of character and leaves us curious about how his political career will unfold in the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie.

Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, leader of the terrorist group Serpent, emerges as a new antagonist in *Brave New World*. Despite his role in the plot, his intense personal vendetta against Captain America remains unexplained. This lack of clarity, possibly a result of significant reshoots, leaves a dangling thread that fans hope will be addressed in future projects, especially with Esposito hinting at Sidewinder's role in a Disney+ series.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative and current bodyguard to President Ross, is introduced as a new character. While she initially opposes Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, her role feels underutilized, serving more as a minor obstacle before fading into the background. The decision to adapt the Sabra character from the comics, yet significantly alter her backstory and powers, raises questions about her purpose in the narrative.

*Brave New World* introduces adamantium to the MCU, a new super-metal that could shift the global balance of power. However, its role in the film feels more like a plot device than a game-changer. While it sets up future storylines, particularly with Wolverine, its immediate impact on the MCU remains unclear. It's a loose end that may take time to be explored further in the MCU's expansive timeline.

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 his role as a potential leader. However, the film does little to advance this narrative, leaving fans waiting for a reunion that feels increasingly overdue. The lack of Avengers in the film's climax, which could have benefited from their presence, underscores the missed opportunity to build toward *Avengers: Doomsday* in 2026.

What did you find most puzzling about *Captain America: Brave New World*? Should the film have included more Avengers characters? Share your thoughts in the comments below: