Marvel Studios launched its 2025 film slate with Captain America: Brave New World, and if this sequel is any indication, the MCU is in for a bumpy ride. It falls short of expectations for Anthony Mackie's first solo outing as Captain America (see IGN's review for a more detailed critique).
Brave New World left many viewers with unanswered questions and underdeveloped characters. What's the story behind new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder? Why does The Leader seem less than the brilliant mastermind he should be? Where's the Hulk? And perhaps the biggest question: 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 de facto sequel to The Incredible Hulk. Brave New World ties up loose ends from Hulk's first solo MCU adventure. We learn Samuel Sterns' fate after his gamma exposure, see Thaddeus Ross facing consequences, and witness Liv Tyler's return 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 so directly linked to The Incredible Hulk?
Surely, Banner would react to his nemesis becoming President. He'd want to know his friend "Mr. Blue" is a gamma-irradiated genius plotting global chaos. And he'd certainly want to help when the White House is under attack.
Brave New World could easily have justified Banner's inclusion. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings showed Banner and Captain Marvel monitoring the world post-Avengers. She-Hulk established his ongoing research and fatherhood. So why his absence during this Hulk-related crisis?
Marvel will likely offer an explanation—perhaps Banner was off-world with Skaar. But that doesn't change the gaping hole in the plot. Brave New World is about Sam Wilson accepting the need for a new Avengers team, yet it only features a brief Bucky cameo. Surely, there was room for Banner.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns returns, radically changed since The Incredible Hulk. He's now a green-skinned, super-intelligent being with a grudge against President Ross. However, Brave New World doesn't showcase his tactical brilliance effectively. He orchestrates a war yet doesn't account for Captain America's intervention. His surrender to carry out his "masterstroke"—playing a recorded phone call—is puzzling. Why not remain at large and plan further schemes?
Brave New World is unambitious, especially regarding Sterns. In the comics, The Leader is a brilliant mastermind; here, he's simply someone who hates Harrison Ford. His motivation is limited to humiliating Ross, a small goal for such a major villain. If he predicted the multiverse's collapse, wouldn't he be more concerned than Ross's reputation?
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
Brave New World culminates in a battle between Cap and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk. This plot point, rooted in Marvel comics, falls short. The MCU's Red Hulk differs greatly from the comics. In the comics, Ross retains his intelligence and tactical prowess; in the film, he's mindless and easily subdued, much like the early Hulk. The irony of Ross becoming what he hated is appreciated, but the film missed an opportunity for a unique take on the Hulk—a battle-hardened soldier with immense strength.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
Red Hulk possesses Hulk-like powers, including invulnerability, shrugging off bullets. Yet, Cap's vibranium blades pierce him. This likely stems from vibranium's properties, allowing it to cut through Red Hulk's defenses where conventional weapons fail. This suggests a future Hulk vs. Wolverine showdown.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a cameo, revealing his political aspirations. Why is Bucky running for Congress? His past actions—as a manipulated assassin—seem incongruous with political office. While it's nice to see their bond, Bucky's transition to politician is unexpected. His political career will likely be explored further in Thunderbolts.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, leader of Serpent, develops a personal vendetta against Captain America, whose origins remain unexplained. Even after capture, his priority is killing Cap. The film doesn't clarify their rivalry, possibly due to reshoots. Esposito's hints at Sidewinder's future Disney+ role suggest this plot thread needs resolution.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative, serves as President Ross' bodyguard, initially opposing Sam before becoming an ally. Her role feels superfluous, a Black Widow archetype without clear purpose. The adaptation of the Sabra character from the comics seems arbitrary, given Ruth's significant differences in the MCU.
What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?
Adamantium's introduction is significant, but its role is primarily as a plot device driving conflict. Its long-term impact remains unclear, beyond its connection to Wolverine's eventual MCU debut. Will it be as impactful as vibranium?
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
Years after the Avengers disbanded, the MCU introduces new heroes but fails to unite them. Brave New World hints at the Avengers' reformation, but provides minimal groundwork. The film could have included more Avengers, making the climax more exciting. The new Avengers team will essentially start from scratch before Avengers: Doomsday.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on Captain America: Brave New World and the future of the MCU, check out our ending explained breakdown and see every Marvel movie and series in development.
