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 MCU. It falls short of expectations for Anthony Mackie's debut as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson (for a detailed review, see IGN's *Captain America: Brave New World* review).

*Brave New World* often leaves viewers puzzled with its unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters. Who are the new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder? Why does The Leader seem less than a brilliant mastermind? Where is the Hulk? And where are the Avengers? Let's delve into the most perplexing questions raised by *Captain America: Brave New World*.

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 film ties up many loose ends from Hulk's initial MCU solo adventure. We discover the fate of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns post-gamma exposure, see Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences for his actions, and witness Liv Tyler reprising her role as Betty Ross for the first time since *The Incredible Hulk*.

Yet, one crucial element is missing: the Hulk himself. Why was Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner absent from a story so closely linked to *The Incredible Hulk*? Given Banner's history with Thaddeus Ross and Samuel Sterns, his absence feels glaring. *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* established that Banner, alongside Captain Marvel, monitors global events post-Avengers disbandment. Additionally, *She-Hulk* shows him engaged in research and raising his son, Skaar. So, why was he missing during this Hulk-related crisis?

Marvel may eventually explain Banner's absence, perhaps suggesting he was off-world with Skaar. However, this doesn't fill the void his absence creates in *Brave New World*. The film emphasizes Sam Wilson's journey toward recognizing the need for the Avengers, yet it only offers a brief cameo from Sebastian Stan's Bucky. Including Banner in some capacity could have enriched the narrative.

Why Does The Leader Think So Small?

*Brave New World* reintroduces Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed into The Leader with a giant green head and a vendetta against President Ross. Gamma radiation has supposedly made him as intellectually superior as the Hulk is physically strong.

However, the film struggles to showcase Sterns' tactical brilliance. He seems to overlook Captain America's potential interference in his plans, such as orchestrating a war between the US and Japan. Additionally, his decision to surrender during the climax to execute his final move against Ross—simply playing a recorded phone call to the press—raises questions. Why not remain at large to continue his schemes?

*Brave New World* feels strangely unambitious, particularly with Sterns. In the comics, The Leader is a formidable mastermind threatening global stability. Here, his motivation seems limited to humiliating Ross, a small goal for such a significant villain. Given his foresight of Earth's impending doom, one would expect more from him.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

The film's climax features an epic battle between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes Red Hulk in front of the world. This plot twist draws from Marvel's comics, but the MCU's Red Hulk deviates significantly from the source material.

In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a more strategic and ruthless adversary. In contrast, the movie's Red Hulk is as mindless and uncontrollable as the early Hulk, subdued by thoughts of Betty. While the irony of Ross becoming what he despises is compelling, the film misses an opportunity to present a more comic-accurate Red Hulk—a battle-hardened soldier with limitless strength. Hopefully, future MCU appearances will explore this character more deeply.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

As Red Hulk, Ross exhibits powers similar to the Hulk, including super-strength and invulnerability, as seen when he shrugs off bullets. Yet, Captain America's projectile blades manage to cut him. The likely explanation is the use of vibranium, which comprises Sam's blades and wings, enabling them to pierce Red Hulk's flesh. This suggests that adamantium, even more durable than vibranium, could have similar effects, setting the stage for future confrontations like a Hulk vs. Wolverine battle.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a cameo, revealing his new role as an aspiring politician. This development raises questions about Bucky's political aspirations, given his history as a manipulated assassin throughout the 20th century. His past seems like a significant obstacle to any political career.

While it's refreshing to see Bucky and Sam's friendship acknowledged, his transition to politics feels unexpected. We'll likely learn more about his political journey 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 as a new secondary villain leading the Serpent terrorist cell. Sidewinder's personal vendetta against Captain America is never fully explained, despite his willingness to kill Sam for free and his determination to finish the job even after capture.

The film's reshoots may have impacted the clarity of Sidewinder's motivations. With Esposito hinting at Sidewinder's future in a Disney+ series, this unresolved thread needs addressing.

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 serving as President Ross's bodyguard. Initially an obstacle to Sam, she eventually becomes an ally but fades into the background.

Ruth's role feels underutilized, suggesting Marvel included a Black Widow archetype without a clear purpose. Her adaptation from the comics, where she's an Israeli operative with superpowers, raises questions about why Marvel didn't create a new character instead.

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 resources. While it serves as a plot device driving global tensions, its broader implications remain unclear. Will it reshape the world as vibranium did, or is it merely a temporary conflict catalyst?

The introduction of adamantium paves the way for Wolverine's MCU debut, but its long-term impact on the universe remains to be seen. Given the MCU's pacing, it may take years before adamantium's significance is fully explored.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

Years after the Avengers disbanded, the MCU has introduced numerous new heroes, yet the team remains elusive. By the end of Phase 2, the Avengers had already featured in two films, but now, at the end of Phase 5, progress toward a new team is minimal.

*Brave New World* touches on the idea of reassembling the Avengers, with Ross proposing it and Sam accepting the leadership role. However, the film doesn't advance this narrative significantly. The climactic battle could have benefited from more Avengers, turning *Brave New World* into a larger team-up movie akin to *Captain America: Civil War*. Instead, the new Avengers will start from scratch when *Avengers: Doomsday* arrives in 2026.

What were your biggest "WTF?!?" moments after watching *Brave New World*? Should the film have included more Avengers? Share your thoughts in the comments below: