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 it features Anthony Mackie 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 raises numerous perplexing questions. What are the motivations and backstories of new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder? Why does The Leader seem less like a brilliant mastermind and more like a disgruntled individual? And perhaps the most glaring omission: where's the Hulk? More broadly, 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 delivers a sequel to The Incredible Hulk within Captain America: Brave New World. This film addresses loose ends 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 plays no role, despite the film's direct connection to The Incredible Hulk.

Surely, Banner would react to the revelation of his nemesis becoming President. He'd want to know about his old friend's transformation into a gamma-irradiated super-genius. And he'd likely intervene when a crimson Hulk attacks the White House.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) established that Banner, alongside Captain Marvel, monitors global events post-Avengers disbandment. The She-Hulk series shows him busy with research and raising his son, Skaar. So, why his absence during this Hulk-related crisis?

Marvel will likely offer an explanation—perhaps Banner was off-world with Skaar. However, his absence creates a significant plot hole. The film centers on Sam Wilson accepting the need for a new Avengers team, yet only features a brief cameo from Bucky Barnes. 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 changed since The Incredible Hulk. He now possesses enhanced intelligence due to gamma radiation. However, the film doesn't fully showcase his tactical brilliance. He orchestrates a war but fails to account for Captain America's intervention. His surrender at the climax is also puzzling, as his final act—playing a recording—could have been achieved without self-incrimination.

The film portrays Sterns, the comic book's brilliant mastermind known as The Leader, as someone primarily driven by a personal grudge against Harrison Ford's Ross. This lacks the ambition and grand scheme expected of such a significant villain, especially one who has foreseen the multiverse's collapse.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

The film culminates in a battle between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk. While this plot point is rooted in Marvel comics, the MCU's Red Hulk differs significantly. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence and tactical prowess. In the film, however, Ross is as mindless and uncontrollable as the early Hulk, subdued by thoughts of Betty. While the irony is appreciated, the film misses an opportunity to present a unique and compelling take on the Red Hulk character.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

Red Hulk possesses super-strength and invulnerability, shrugging off bullets. However, Captain America's vibranium blades inflict damage. This likely stems from vibranium's properties, suggesting a future Hulk vs. Wolverine confrontation.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Bucky Barnes' cameo reveals his political aspirations. However, this is incongruous with his past. His history of assassination and manipulation makes his political career seem improbable. While the cameo acknowledges his friendship with Sam, his transition to politics is unexplained. His political career will likely be explored further in Thunderbolts.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

Sidewinder, the leader of Serpent, displays a personal vendetta against Captain America, which remains unexplained. This could be due to script changes during reshoots, as evidenced by the removal of Seth Rollins' character. Esposito's tease of Sidewinder's role in a future Disney+ series suggests this plot point will be addressed later.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative, serves as President Ross' bodyguard. She initially opposes Sam but eventually allies with him. However, her role seems minimal, possibly reflecting a lack of clear utilization of a Black Widow archetype. The adaptation of the Sabra character from the comics is also questionable, given the significant differences between the comic and MCU versions.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

Adamantium's introduction is significant, but its impact remains unclear. It serves as a plot device, driving conflicts between global powers. While it foreshadows Wolverine's arrival, its long-term consequences remain uncertain. Its importance compared to vibranium is also questionable.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

The absence of an Avengers team persists, despite the introduction of numerous new heroes. The film briefly touches upon the idea of reforming the team, but it fails to lay the groundwork for a proper Avengers reunion. This leaves the new Avengers team starting from scratch in Avengers: Doomsday (2026). The film's climax could have benefited from the inclusion of more Avengers, making the conflict more engaging.

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.