Marvel Studios has kicked off its 2025 slate of movies with the release of *Captain America: Brave New World*. However, this sequel suggests a challenging year ahead for the MCU. Far from the strong performance we anticipated from the first film to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, it left us with more questions than answers. For a more in-depth analysis, you can read IGN's review of *Captain America: Brave New World*.

The film at times left us puzzled, grappling with unresolved plot points and underdeveloped characters. Who are the new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder, and what are their true motivations? Why does The Leader seem less than the brilliant mastermind we expected? And where are key figures like the Hulk and the Avengers? Let's delve into the most perplexing questions that arose after watching *Captain America: Brave New World*.

Captain America: Brave New World Gallery

12 ImagesWhere Was Banner This Whole Time?

It took Marvel 17 years to give us a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* in *Captain America: Brave New World*. This movie ties up many loose ends from Hulk's initial MCU adventure, revealing what happened to Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns post-gamma exposure and finally holding Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross accountable for 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 conspicuously absent: the Hulk himself. Why was Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner sidelined in a story so deeply connected to *The Incredible Hulk*? Surely, Banner would have a strong reaction to Thaddeus Ross becoming President, or to learning that his old friend "Mr. Blue" is now a gamma-irradiated genius plotting against governments. And wouldn't he want to intervene when a crimson Hulk is seen demolishing the White House?

Given that *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* established Banner and Captain Marvel as global watchdogs post-Avengers, and *She-Hulk* showed him busy with research and raising Skaar, his absence feels glaring. Marvel might explain it away by saying Banner was off-world, but this doesn't change the fact that his absence leaves a significant gap in the narrative. *Brave New World* is about Sam Wilson realizing the world needs the Avengers again, yet only features a brief cameo from Sebastian Stan's Bucky. Including Banner in some capacity would have enriched the plot.

Why Does The Leader Think So Small?

*Brave New World* marks the return of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now known as The Leader, with a transformed appearance and a deep-seated grudge against President Ross. Empowered by gamma, Sterns is supposed to be as intellectually formidable as the Hulk is physically. However, the film struggles to showcase his tactical brilliance. He seems to overlook Captain America's potential interference in his plans, such as orchestrating a war between the US and Japan.

Moreover, it's puzzling why Sterns willingly surrenders during the climax, only to reveal a recording to the press as his final act against Ross. Why not remain at large and continue plotting? *Brave New World* feels strangely unambitious, especially with Sterns, who is a renowned mastermind in the comics. Here, his motivation seems limited to humiliating Ross, which feels insufficient for such a significant villain, particularly one who is aware of the multiverse's impending collapse.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

The film's climax features an epic showdown between Cap and a transformed President Ross, who turns into Red Hulk in front of the world. This twist echoes the comics, but the MCU's Red Hulk deviates significantly from the source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a strategic and ruthless adversary. However, in the movie, Ross becomes just as mindless and uncontrollable as the early Hulk, subdued by thoughts of Betty.

While there's irony in Ross becoming what he despised, it's disappointing that *Brave New World* didn't deliver a more accurate comic book portrayal of Red Hulk. This was an opportunity to showcase a different Hulk archetype—a battle-hardened soldier with immense strength. If Red Hulk returns to the MCU, we hope for a more nuanced character.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

Red Hulk exhibits the same powers as the Hulk, including super-strength and invulnerability, shrugging off bullets. Yet, Cap's projectile blades cut him. The likely explanation is the use of vibranium, which comprises Sam's blades and wings, allowing them to pierce Red Hulk's skin. Similarly, adamantium, even more durable than vibranium, could play a role in future MCU confrontations, such as a battle between Hulk and Wolverine.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief cameo, revealing he's now running for Congress. This development raises questions, as nothing in his previous MCU appearances hinted at political aspirations. Given his history as a manipulated assassin and his age, his political campaign seems unlikely to succeed.

While it's refreshing to see Bucky included and to witness his ongoing bond with Sam, the idea of the introverted and troubled Bucky as a politician is puzzling. We'll learn more about his political journey in the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

With Frank Grillo's Crossbones no longer in the picture, *Brave New World* introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder as a new villain. Leading the Serpent terrorist cell, Sidewinder is hired by Sterns to steal adamantium, but his personal vendetta against Captain America remains unexplained. He's willing to kill Sam for free and vows to finish the job even after being captured.

The film leaves Sidewinder's motivations unclear, possibly due to significant reshoots. An earlier script might have explored this rivalry more deeply. With Esposito hinting at Sidewinder's future in a Disney+ series, this is a plot thread that needs resolution.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

In the absence of Black Widow and Sharon Carter, Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative turned bodyguard to President Ross, steps in. Initially an adversary to Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, her role feels underutilized, serving as a minor obstacle before fading into the background.

The film's decision to adapt the Sabra character, despite significant changes from the comics, raises questions. Why not create a new character if the adaptation deviates so much? The impact of reshoots on her role remains uncertain.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

*Brave New World* introduces adamantium to the MCU, discovered amidst the race to exploit Tiamut's resources. While it drives the plot, acting as a MacGuffin that nearly sparks a global war, its broader implications are left unclear. Will it be as transformative as vibranium, or is the Ross/Ozaki Accords merely a temporary solution?

The introduction of adamantium paves the way for Wolverine's debut, but its broader impact on the MCU remains to be seen. Given Marvel's pacing, it might take years before this plot thread is revisited.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

Years after the Avengers disbanded, the MCU has introduced numerous new heroes, yet there's no sign of them uniting. By the end of Phase 2, two Avengers movies had already been released, but now, nearing the end of Phase 5, we're no closer to a reunion. *Brave New World* touches on the idea of reforming the Avengers, with Ross suggesting it and Sam eventually agreeing to lead, but it doesn't go further.

The film's climax could have benefited from additional Avengers to make the battle against Red Hulk more dynamic. Similar to *Captain America: Civil War*, *Brave New World* could have been a larger team-up movie. 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*? Should the film have included more Avengers? Share your thoughts in the comments below: