Captain America: Brave New World - Top WTF Questions Answered

Marvel Studios kicked off its 2025 slate with "Captain America: Brave New World," but the sequel left fans puzzled and unsatisfied. Starring Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, the film falls short of expectations (as detailed in IGN's review). With unresolved questions and underdeveloped characters, viewers are left with more questions than answers about new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder, the role of The Leader, and the noticeable absence of iconic figures like the Hulk and the Avengers. Let's dive into the biggest WTF moments from "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," tying up many loose ends from the original film. We see the aftermath of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns' gamma exposure, Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences for his past actions, and even Liv Tyler returning as Betty Ross. Yet, one crucial element is missing: the Hulk himself. Why was Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner absent from a narrative so deeply connected to "The Incredible Hulk"?

Banner's presence would have been justified, especially with the revelation of Thaddeus Ross becoming President and the emergence of a gamma-irradiated super-genius plotting global chaos. Given Banner's established role in monitoring the world post-Avengers disbandment, as seen in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," and his ongoing research and family life in "She-Hulk," his absence feels glaring. While Marvel might explain his absence in future projects, the lack of Banner leaves a noticeable gap in the plot, especially in a film about the need for the Avengers to regroup.

Why Does The Leader Think So Small?

Tim Blake Nelson's return as Samuel Sterns, now known as The Leader, promised a character transformed by gamma radiation into a superhuman intellect. However, "Brave New World" fails to showcase his tactical brilliance effectively. Sterns, who should be calculating and planning for every contingency, seems to overlook Captain America's potential interference in his schemes, such as orchestrating a war between the US and Japan.

Moreover, his decision to surrender during the film's climax to execute his final plan against Ross—simply playing a recorded phone call to the press—feels underwhelming. In the comics, The Leader is a mastermind threatening the world, but here, his motivation seems limited to personal vendettas against Ross. This narrow focus feels inadequate for a character who should be concerned with larger threats, like the impending collapse of the multiverse.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

While the irony of Ross becoming what he despised is compelling, the film misses an opportunity to explore a more nuanced version of Red Hulk. Fans hope for a more comic-accurate portrayal if Red Hulk returns to the MCU.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

Red Hulk's powers mirror those of the Hulk, including super-strength and invulnerability, as evidenced by his resistance to bullets. However, Captain America's vibranium blades manage to cut him. This discrepancy likely stems from the unique properties of vibranium, which can pierce Red Hulk's skin in ways traditional weapons cannot. This sets the stage for future confrontations involving other durable materials like adamantium.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief appearance, revealing his new role as an aspiring politician. This development raises questions about Bucky's motivations, given his history and lack of prior political aspirations in the MCU. His past as a manipulated assassin and his age could pose significant challenges to his political career. While it's refreshing to see Bucky's character evolve, his sudden shift to politics feels unearned and confusing. More context might be provided in the upcoming "Thunderbolts*" movie.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, leader of the terrorist group Serpent, becomes the new secondary villain after Crossbones' death. His intense personal vendetta against Captain America is never fully explained, leaving viewers puzzled. Sidewinder's willingness to kill Sam for free and his determination to finish the job even after capture suggest a deeper backstory that the film does not explore. Given the significant reshoots and cuts, it's possible that earlier versions of the script provided more clarity on his motivations. Future projects, such as a Disney+ series, may address this unresolved thread.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative turned bodyguard for President Ross, introduces a new dynamic to the film. Initially an obstacle to Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, her role feels underdeveloped and somewhat superfluous. The film seems to include her as a Black Widow archetype without fully integrating her into the narrative. Additionally, the MCU's version of Sabra deviates significantly from the comics, raising questions about why Marvel chose to adapt this character rather than create a new one.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

"Captain America: Brave New World" introduces adamantium, a new super-metal discovered during the race to exploit Tiamut's remains. 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 eventual arrival of Wolverine in the MCU. However, its impact on the world and its comparison to vibranium are left ambiguous, leaving fans to speculate on its future significance.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

Despite the introduction of numerous new heroes in recent years, the MCU has yet to reform the Avengers. "Brave New World" touches on the idea of reuniting the team, with Sam Wilson grappling with his role as a potential leader. However, the film does not advance this narrative significantly, leaving fans frustrated by the lack of progress toward a new Avengers team.

The film's climax, a battle against Red Hulk, could have benefited from the presence of other Avengers, turning it into a more thrilling team-up event. Instead, the groundwork for "Avengers: Doomsday" in 2026 remains largely unlaid, with the MCU still focused on introducing new characters rather than weaving them into a cohesive team.

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: