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 showcasing Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, the film falls short of expectations, leaving viewers with several unanswered questions and underdeveloped characters. (See IGN's Captain America: Brave New World review for a more detailed critique.)

The film's plot points raise numerous questions. What are the motivations of new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder? Why does The Leader seem less than the brilliant mastermind he should be? Most importantly, where's the Hulk? And where are the Avengers?

Captain America: Brave New World Gallery

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Where Was Banner This Whole Time?

Seventeen years later, Marvel finally delivered a sequel to The Incredible Hulk within Captain America: Brave New World. The film addresses lingering plot points from Hulk's first solo MCU adventure, revealing the fate of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns and the consequences for Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross. Liv Tyler also returns as Betty Ross. However, a crucial element is missing: the Hulk himself. Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner's absence is glaring, especially given the direct connection to The Incredible Hulk. Surely, Banner would react to his nemesis becoming President, to his friend "Mr. Blue" becoming a gamma-irradiated super-genius, and to the Hulk's rampage at the White House.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) established that Banner, along with Captain Marvel, monitors global events post-Avengers disbandment. The She-Hulk series shows him busy with research and raising his son, Skaar. His absence in this Hulk-related crisis is unexplained, though Marvel will likely offer a reason (perhaps off-world with Skaar). However, this leaves a significant plot hole, especially considering the film's theme of the world needing the Avengers again, yet only featuring a brief Bucky cameo. Including Banner would have strengthened 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 possessing a large green head and a grudge against President Ross, Sterns has become a gamma-powered genius. Despite this, the film doesn't effectively portray his tactical brilliance. He orchestrates a war between the US and Japan yet fails to account for Captain America's intervention. His surrender at the climax is also puzzling, as his "masterstroke" is merely playing a recorded phone call. This contrasts sharply with the comic book version of The Leader, a mastermind who poses significant global threats. In the film, his motivation is limited to humiliating Ross, lacking the ambition expected of such a major Marvel villain, especially one aware of impending multiversal collapse.

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, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a more ruthless and tactical monster. In the film, 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 appreciated, the film misses an opportunity to present a more comic-accurate Red Hulk, a battle-hardened soldier with immense strength.

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 suggests that vibranium's properties are the key factor, allowing it to penetrate Red Hulk's defenses in a way that conventional weapons cannot. This also applies to adamantium, a material even stronger than vibranium, potentially setting up a future Hulk vs. Wolverine conflict.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a cameo appearance, revealing his aspirations to become a politician. This is surprising, given his past in the MCU and his lack of any prior political inclinations. His history as a manipulated assassin would likely hinder any political campaign. While the cameo highlights his bond with Sam, his transition to politics feels abrupt and unexplained, leaving further exploration needed in the upcoming Thunderbolts movie.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, leader of Serpent, serves as a secondary villain. His personal vendetta against Captain America remains unexplained. Even after capture, he prioritizes killing Cap. The film doesn't clarify this animosity, possibly due to script changes during reshoots (as evidenced by the removal of Seth Rollins' character). Esposito's teasing of Sidewinder's role in a future Disney+ series suggests this plot point will be addressed later.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative and President Ross's bodyguard, acts as a temporary antagonist before becoming an ally. However, her role feels inconsequential, serving as a minor obstacle before fading into the background. Her adaptation from the comics is also questionable, as she lacks the original character's Israeli operative background and mutant powers. The choice to adapt Sabra rather than create a new character is unclear.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

Adamantium's introduction to the MCU is significant, serving as a MacGuffin driving the plot's conflict between global powers. Its long-term implications remain unclear, leaving questions about its future impact and its comparison to vibranium. While its connection to Wolverine's eventual appearance is obvious, its broader consequences remain to be seen.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

Years after the Avengers' disbandment, the MCU still lacks a cohesive team, despite introducing numerous new heroes. The film briefly touches on the idea of reforming the Avengers, but it doesn't progress beyond Sam's internal conflict and decision to lead. The film's climax could have benefited from additional Avengers, making the conflict more engaging. The lack of groundwork for a new Avengers team leaves the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday with a significant challenge.

For more on Captain America: Brave New World and the future of the MCU, see our ending explained breakdown and a list of upcoming Marvel movies and series.