Captain America: Brave New World - Top WTF Questions Answered

Marvel Studios has launched its 2025 movie lineup with the release of *Captain America: Brave New World*. However, this sequel suggests a challenging year ahead for the MCU. It falls short of expectations for Anthony Mackie's debut as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson (for a detailed review, see IGN's *Captain America: Brave New World* review).

*Brave New World* often leaves viewers puzzled with its unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters. Who are the new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder? Why does The Leader seem less than a brilliant mastermind? Where is the Hulk? And where are the Avengers? Let's delve into the biggest "WTF" questions that arise after watching *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*. This film ties up many loose ends from Hulk's initial MCU solo adventure. We discover the fate of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns post-gamma exposure, see Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences for his actions, and witness Liv Tyler reprising her role as Betty Ross for the first time since *The Incredible Hulk*.

Yet, one crucial element is missing: the Hulk himself. Why was Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner absent from a story so closely linked to *The Incredible Hulk*? Given Banner's history with Thaddeus Ross and Samuel Sterns, his absence feels glaring. Moreover, *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* established that Banner, alongside Captain Marvel, is monitoring global events post-Avengers disbandment. Despite his busy life with research and raising his son Skaar, as seen in *She-Hulk*, his absence during this Hulk-related crisis is perplexing.

Marvel may eventually explain Banner's absence, perhaps stating he was off-world with Skaar. However, this does not fill the void his absence creates in *Brave New World*. The film emphasizes Sam Wilson's acceptance of the need for the Avengers, yet only offers a brief cameo from Sebastian Stan's Bucky. Including Banner in some capacity would have enriched the narrative.

*Brave New World* reintroduces Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed with a giant green head and a vendetta against President Ross. Empowered by gamma radiation, Sterns should be as intellectually formidable as the Hulk is physically. However, the film struggles to portray his tactical brilliance convincingly. Sterns, supposedly a master of probabilities, repeatedly overlooks Captain America's potential interventions, such as his role in averting a war between the US and Japan.

Additionally, Sterns' decision to surrender during the film's climax raises questions. Why sacrifice his freedom for a simple act of playing a recorded phone call to the press? This move seems uncharacteristic of a mastermind who should be planning future schemes from the shadows.

In the comics, Sterns, known as The Leader, is a formidable villain with global ambitions. In *Brave New World*, his motivation seems limited to humiliating Ross, a small goal for such a significant character. Given his foresight of a multiversal collapse, one would expect more ambitious plans from him.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)

The climax of Brave New World features an epic battle between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes Red Hulk. This twist, rooted in Marvel's comics, disappoints by deviating from the source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a strategic and ruthless adversary. In the film, however, Ross becomes as mindless and uncontrollable as the early Hulk, subdued by thoughts of Betty.

While the irony of Ross becoming what he despises is compelling, the film misses an opportunity to present a unique take on the Hulk archetype. A battle-tested soldier with limitless strength could have offered a fresh perspective. Hopefully, future MCU appearances of Red Hulk will explore this different direction.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

As Red Hulk, Ross exhibits similar powers to the Hulk, including super-strength and invulnerability, as seen when he shrugs off bullets. Yet, Captain America's vibranium blades can cut him. This discrepancy likely stems from the unique properties of vibranium, which can pierce Red Hulk's flesh in ways traditional weapons cannot. This suggests that adamantium, even more durable than vibranium, could have similar effects, setting the stage for future confrontations like a Hulk vs. Wolverine battle.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief cameo, revealing his new role as an aspiring politician. This development raises eyebrows, as Bucky's past as a manipulated assassin and his lack of political aspirations in previous MCU appearances make his new career choice surprising. While it's heartening to see the film acknowledge Sam and Bucky's friendship, the idea of the brooding Bucky entering politics feels out of character. More details about his political journey may emerge in the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie.

With Crossbones gone, *Brave New World* introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder as a new secondary villain. Leading the terrorist group Serpent, Sidewinder is hired by Sterns to steal adamantium. However, his personal vendetta against Captain America remains unexplained. Despite his capture and subsequent escape plan, Sidewinder's motivations are left hanging. Reshoots may have altered his backstory, but with Esposito hinting at future appearances, this plot thread needs resolution.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

In the absence of Black Widow and Sharon Carter, *Brave New World* introduces Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative now working for President Ross. Initially an obstacle to Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, her role feels underutilized, serving as a minor hurdle before fading into the background. The decision to adapt the Sabra character from the comics, despite significant changes, raises questions about why a new character wasn't created instead.

*Brave New World* introduces adamantium to the MCU, a new super-metal discovered during the race to exploit Tiamut's resources. While it serves as a plot device driving global tensions, its broader implications remain unclear. The introduction of adamantium hints at future developments, particularly the arrival of Wolverine, but its long-term impact on the MCU's world remains to be seen.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

Years after the Avengers disbanded, the MCU has introduced numerous new heroes, yet the team remains elusive. By the end of Phase 2, the Avengers had already featured in two films, but now, at the end of Phase 5, progress toward a new team is minimal. *Brave New World* touches on the idea of reassembling the Avengers, with Sam Wilson accepting the leadership role, but it stops short of actual team formation.

The film's climax could have benefited from more Avengers, turning it into a larger team-up event akin to *Captain America: Civil War*. Instead, the new Avengers will start from scratch when *Avengers: Doomsday* arrives in 2026.

What were your biggest "WTF" moments after watching *Brave New World*? Do you think the film should have included more Avengers? Share your thoughts in the comments below:

For more insights into *Captain America: Brave New World* and the future of the MCU, check out our ending explained breakdown and explore every Marvel movie and series currently in development.