Captain America: Brave New World - Top WTF Questions Answered

Marvel Studios has kicked off its 2025 slate of movies with the release of Captain America: Brave New World. Unfortunately, this sequel suggests a challenging year ahead for the MCU. The film, starring Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, did not meet the high expectations set by fans and critics alike (see IGN's Captain America: Brave New World review for more).

At times, Brave New World left viewers puzzled, with unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters. The introduction of new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder, along with the portrayal of The Leader, left much to be desired. Additionally, the absence of key figures like the Hulk and the Avengers was notable. Let's delve into the biggest "WTF" questions raised by Captain America: Brave New World.

Captain America: Brave New World Gallery

12 ImagesWhere Was Banner This Whole Time?

It's been 17 years, and Marvel finally delivered a sequel to The Incredible Hulk with Captain America: Brave New World. This movie ties up many loose ends from Hulk's first and only solo MCU adventure. We finally see what happened to Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns after his gamma exposure, and Harrison Ford’s Thaddeus Ross faces the consequences of his actions. It's also the first time since The Incredible Hulk that Liv Tyler has reprised her role as Betty Ross.

However, one crucial element is missing: the Hulk himself. Why did Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner play no part in a story that so directly follows from The Incredible Hulk? It's hard to believe that Banner would not have a reaction to his old nemesis becoming President of the United States, or that he wouldn't be interested in his friend "Mr. Blue" turning into a gamma-irradiated super-genius plotting against multiple governments. The sight of a crimson Hulk destroying the White House would surely draw Banner's attention.

Brave New World could have easily justified Banner's inclusion. After all, 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings established that Banner, alongside Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, is keeping an eye on the world post-Avengers. She-Hulk showed him busy with research and raising his son, Skaar. So why was Banner completely absent during this Hulk-related crisis?

While Marvel may provide an explanation, such as Banner being off-world with Skaar, his absence leaves a noticeable gap in the plot. Brave New World focuses on Sam Wilson accepting the need for the Avengers to return, yet 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 marks the return of Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns, now transformed with a giant green noggin and a major grudge against President Ross. Thanks to gamma radiation, Sterns is supposedly as intelligent as the Hulk is strong.

However, the film doesn't convincingly showcase Sterns' tactical brilliance. He seems to consistently underestimate Captain America, failing to account for his potential intervention in the conflict between the US and Japan. Moreover, his decision to turn himself in during the climax seems unnecessary, especially since his masterstroke was simply playing a recorded phone call to the press. Why give up his freedom when he could have continued to plot from the shadows?

Story-wise, Brave New World feels strangely unambitious, especially in its portrayal of Sterns. In the comics, Sterns is known as The Leader, a brilliant supervillain who has threatened the world multiple times. Here, his motivation seems limited to humiliating Ross, a small goal for such a significant villain. Given his supposed ability to foresee the multiverse's collapse, one would expect him to focus on larger threats rather than personal vendettas.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)Brave New World culminates in an epic battle between Cap and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the very thing he despises most. This plot twist is rooted in Marvel’s comic books, but the MCU's Red Hulk diverges significantly from the source material.

In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a smarter, more ruthless, and tactically experienced monster. In the movie, however, Ross is just as mindless and uncontrollable as the early versions of Bruce Banner's Hulk. He's even calmed down by thoughts of Betty, a tactic used to subdue the original Hulk.

While the irony of Ross becoming what he hates is appreciated, it's disappointing that Brave New World didn't deliver a more comic-accurate Red Hulk. This was an opportunity to present a different take on the Hulk archetype—a battle-tested soldier with limitless strength. Hopefully, future MCU appearances of Red Hulk will explore this unique character more thoroughly.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

Red Hulk, like the original Hulk, possesses super-strength and invulnerability, demonstrated by shrugging off bullets. However, Cap's projectile blades, made of Wakandan vibranium, manage to cut him. This suggests that vibranium is the key to penetrating Red Hulk's defenses, a detail that could set the stage for future confrontations with adamantium-wielding characters like Wolverine.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes makes a brief cameo in Brave New World, revealing his new role as an aspiring politician on the campaign trail. This development raises questions about Bucky's sudden interest in politics, especially given his complex history and past as the Winter Soldier.

While it's heartening to see the film acknowledge the bond between Sam and Bucky, the idea of the typically reserved and anti-social Bucky entering politics feels out of character. More insight into his political ambitions might be provided in the upcoming Thunderbolts* movie.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly? ----------------------------------------------

With Frank Grillo’s Crossbones killed off in Captain America: Civil War, Brave New World introduces Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder as a new secondary villain. Sidewinder, leader of the terrorist cell Serpent, is hired by Sterns to steal adamantium from Japan.

However, Sidewinder's personal vendetta against Captain America is never fully explained. He admits he would have killed Sam for free, and even after being captured, he vows to finish the job. This unresolved subplot leaves audiences wondering about the true nature of his grudge. Given the film's significant reshoots, it's possible that earlier drafts provided more context for Sidewinder's motivations. With Esposito teasing a future Disney+ series appearance, this thread may be addressed later.

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 as a new government agent and former Red Room operative. Initially an adversary to Sam, Ruth eventually becomes an ally but fades into the background.

Ruth's role in the narrative feels underdeveloped, serving primarily as a minor obstacle before becoming an ally. It seems Marvel included a Black Widow-like character without a clear purpose for her within the story. The decision to adapt the Sabra character from the comics, yet significantly alter her background and powers, raises questions about why not create an entirely new character.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now? ------------------------------------

Brave New World introduces adamantium to the MCU, discovered during the race to harvest Tiamut's bounty. This new super-metal is central to the plot, driving global powers to the brink of war. However, its introduction feels more like a plot device than a significant development.

The film leaves viewers wondering about the future implications of adamantium. Will it lead to further conflicts, or will the Ross/Ozaki Accords resolve the issue? The connection to Wolverine's eventual debut is clear, but the broader impact on the MCU remains uncertain. Given the MCU's pace, it may take years before adamantium's role is fully explored.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

The MCU has not had an Avengers team since Endgame, despite introducing numerous new heroes. From Yelena Belova to Shang-Chi, She-Hulk to Moon Knight, the potential for a new Avengers team is evident, yet progress toward this goal remains slow.

Brave New World hints at the need for the Avengers to reform, with Sam Wilson grappling with the idea of leading the team. However, the film stops short of actually assembling a new team. The climactic battle could have benefited from the presence of more heroes, turning it into a more exciting team-up event.

The MCU seems focused on introducing new characters without weaving them into a cohesive narrative. With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon in 2026, the groundwork for a new Avengers team feels lacking. Brave New World could have been a stepping stone toward this goal but instead leaves the new Avengers team to start from scratch.

What do you think? What had you saying “WTF?!?” after watching Brave New World? And should we have gotten more Avengers in the latest Captain America movie? Vote in our poll and let us know what you think in the comments below:

Should Captain America: Brave New World have included more Avengers characters? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, it would have made the climax more exciting.No, this needed to be Sam's story.

AnswerSee ResultsFor more on Captain America and the future of the MCU, check out our Brave New World ending explained breakdown and see every Marvel movie and series in development.