Captain America: Brave New World - Top WTF Queries Answered

Marvel Studios has launched its 2025 slate with the release of *Captain America: Brave New World*, yet it appears to signal a challenging year for the MCU. Unfortunately, this sequel falls short of the expectations set for Anthony Mackie's debut as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson (for a deeper dive, check out IGN's review).

*Brave New World* leaves audiences puzzled with its unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters. From the mysterious motives of new additions like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder to the seemingly diminished threat of The Leader, the film raises more questions than it answers. Where's the Hulk? Where are the Avengers? Let's delve into the biggest "WTF" moments from *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*. The film ties up many loose ends from Hulk's initial MCU solo outing, including the fate of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns post-gamma exposure, and Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing the consequences of his actions. It also marks the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross. Yet, one critical element is glaringly absent: Bruce Banner himself. Mark Ruffalo's character is notably missing from a narrative deeply rooted in *The Incredible Hulk*.

Given Banner's history with Thaddeus Ross and "Mr. Blue," his absence from this major Hulk-related crisis feels conspicuous. Banner's vigilant role post-Avengers disbandment, as established in *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*, and his ongoing research and family life in *She-Hulk*, make his non-involvement all the more puzzling. While Marvel may provide a future explanation, such as Banner being off-world with Skaar, his absence leaves a significant gap in *Brave New World*'s storyline, particularly as the film emphasizes the need for Avengers to reunite.

*Brave New World* reintroduces Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed into The Leader with a green-hued intellect to match Hulk's strength. However, the film struggles to portray his tactical brilliance convincingly. Sterns orchestrates a war between the US and Japan but fails to anticipate Captain America's intervention. Moreover, his surrender in the climax to play a recording against Ross feels anticlimactic and out of character for a supposed mastermind.

In the comics, The Leader is a formidable villain with world-threatening schemes. In contrast, the film reduces his ambition to a personal vendetta against Ross, which feels underwhelming for a character capable of foreseeing multiversal collapse. This simplification of his motives detracts from his potential as a major Marvel antagonist.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

The climax of *Brave New World* features a showdown between Captain America and President Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk. While rooted in the comics, the MCU's version of Red Hulk deviates significantly from its source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, offering a strategic and ruthless counterpoint to the original Hulk. In the film, however, Ross's Red Hulk mirrors the early, rage-driven Hulk, lacking the tactical edge that defines his comic counterpart.

The irony of Ross becoming what he despises is compelling, but the film's portrayal misses an opportunity to present a unique take on the Hulk archetype. Hopefully, future appearances of Red Hulk in the MCU will explore this character's potential more deeply.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

Red Hulk's invulnerability to bullets yet vulnerability to Captain America's vibranium blades raises questions. It's likely that vibranium's unique properties allow it to pierce Red Hulk's otherwise resilient skin. This suggests similar outcomes with adamantium, hinting at future clashes, perhaps with Wolverine.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief appearance, revealing his new path as a politician. This unexpected career move for a character with a tumultuous past, including decades of manipulation and assassinations, feels out of place. While it's refreshing to see Bucky and Sam's friendship acknowledged, his transition to politics seems abrupt and unexplained. We'll likely see more of his political journey in the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie.

With Crossbones gone, *Brave New World* introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, the leader of the terrorist group Serpent. Hired by Sterns to steal adamantium, Sidewinder harbors a personal vendetta against Captain America that remains unclear. His willingness to kill Sam for free and his determination to finish the job post-escape suggest a deeper backstory not explored in the film. Reshoots and cuts may have affected this narrative thread, which could be addressed in future projects featuring Esposito's character.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

Shira Haas's Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative turned government agent, feels underutilized. Initially an obstacle, she eventually allies with Sam but lacks a significant role in the overarching plot. Her character, inspired by the comic's Sabra, diverges significantly from the source material, raising questions about her inclusion. Perhaps her role was impacted by reshoots, but her purpose remains unclear.

*Brave New World* introduces adamantium, a new super-metal discovered in the aftermath of *Eternals*. While pivotal to the plot, its introduction feels more like a MacGuffin than a game-changer. The global power struggle over adamantium sets the stage for future conflicts, but its long-term impact remains ambiguous. The metal's connection to Wolverine is evident, yet its broader implications for the MCU are yet to be explored.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

Despite introducing numerous new heroes, the MCU has yet to reform the Avengers. *Brave New World* hints at the need for a new team, with Sam contemplating leadership, but falls short of taking concrete steps toward reunification. The absence of a cohesive Avengers lineup, especially as *Avengers: Doomsday* looms, feels like a missed opportunity. A more substantial team-up in *Brave New World* could have laid the groundwork for the anticipated Avengers reunion, making the film's climax more engaging and setting the stage for future collaborations.

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: