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 many unanswered questions. Our review highlights some of the most glaring issues.

From puzzling new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder, to a surprisingly underwhelming Leader, and the conspicuous absence of key players, Brave New World leaves viewers scratching their heads. 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 first solo MCU adventure, revealing the fate of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns and the consequences faced by Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross. Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross adds another layer to this long-awaited reunion. 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. Surely, Banner would react to his nemesis becoming President, to his friend's transformation, and to the Hulk's rampage at the White House.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings established that Banner, alongside Captain Marvel, monitors global events post-Avengers disbandment. The She-Hulk series further highlights his ongoing research and family life. His absence in this Hulk-centric crisis is inexplicable. While Marvel might offer a convenient explanation (off-world with Skaar, perhaps), the plot feels incomplete without him. The film centers on Sam Wilson's acceptance of the need for a new Avengers team, yet only features a brief Bucky cameo. Surely, Banner's inclusion would have enhanced the narrative.

Why Does The Leader Think So Small?

Brave New World marks the return of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, drastically transformed since The Incredible Hulk. Now a gamma-irradiated super-genius with a grudge against President Ross, his tactical brilliance is questionable. Despite his supposed ability to calculate probabilities and plan meticulously, he consistently overlooks Captain America. His orchestration of a US-Japan war, yet failure to anticipate Cap's intervention, is baffling.

His surrender at the climax is equally perplexing. Why relinquish freedom for a simple act of playing a recording to the press? Why not remain at large and continue scheming? The film portrays Sterns, the comic book mastermind known as The Leader, as simply someone who hates Harrison Ford. His motivation lacks the grand scale expected of a major Marvel villain, especially one who foresees the multiverse's collapse. His focus on ruining Ross's reputation feels trivial compared to the impending global catastrophe.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

The film culminates in a battle between Cap and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk. While this plot point originates from Marvel comics, the MCU's Red Hulk differs significantly. In the comics, Ross retains his intelligence, becoming a more strategic and ruthless monster. In the film, however, he's as mindless and uncontrollable as the early Hulk, subdued by thoughts of Betty. While the irony of Ross becoming what he hated is apparent, the lack of a comic-accurate Red Hulk is disappointing. This missed opportunity to showcase a battle-hardened, intelligent Hulk is a letdown.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

Red Hulk, like the Hulk, possesses super-strength and invulnerability, shrugging off bullets. However, Cap's vibranium blades pierce him. This discrepancy likely stems from the vibranium's unique properties, enabling it to penetrate Red Hulk's defenses in a way conventional weapons cannot. This suggests a future Hulk vs. Wolverine confrontation.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Bucky Barnes' cameo reveals his political aspirations. His transition to a politician is unexpected, given his past and personality. His history of assassination and manipulation seems incongruous with a political career. While the film highlights Sam and Bucky's bond, Bucky's political ambition remains unexplained. His future political career will likely be explored in Thunderbolts.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

Sidewinder, the leader of Serpent, harbors a unexplained personal vendetta against Captain America. His willingness to kill Sam, even without payment, and his continued pursuit after capture, raise questions. The film fails to elaborate on their rivalry. Reshoots might have affected Sidewinder's character development, with Esposito teasing his role in a future Disney+ series.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative and President Ross's bodyguard, serves as a minor obstacle before becoming an ally. Her inclusion feels unnecessary, possibly fulfilling a quota for a Black Widow archetype without proper utilization. Her adaptation from the comics, stripping her of her Israeli background and mutant powers, raises questions about the character's purpose.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

Adamantium's introduction as a new super-metal driving global conflict leaves its long-term impact unclear. While its connection to Wolverine's eventual arrival is evident, its broader implications remain vague. Its significance compared to vibranium is uncertain.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

The film's lack of progress towards reforming the Avengers is disappointing. Despite introducing numerous new heroes, the MCU fails to unite them. The film hints at the Avengers' reformation, but doesn't go beyond Sam Wilson's decision to lead. The absence of a larger team-up during the climax is missed opportunity. The new Avengers team will essentially begin from scratch.

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