Marvel Studios kicked off its 2025 film slate with Captain America: Brave New World, a sequel that, unfortunately, left much to be desired. While Anthony Mackie shines as the new Captain America, the film presented several perplexing plot points and underdeveloped characters, leaving audiences with more questions than answers. Our biggest WTF moments? Let's dive in.
Captain America: Brave New World Gallery
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Where Was Banner This Whole Time?
Seventeen years later, Marvel finally delivered a sequel to The Incredible Hulk, picking up loose ends from the original film. We saw the aftermath of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns' gamma exposure, Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences, and Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross. Yet, a crucial element was missing: the Hulk himself. Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner's absence is baffling, especially considering the direct connection to The Incredible Hulk. Surely, Banner would react to his nemesis becoming President, to his friend becoming a gamma-irradiated mastermind, and to the Hulk smashing the White House. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings established Banner's global watchfulness; She-Hulk showed his busy life. His absence creates a significant plot hole. While Marvel might offer an explanation (off-world with Skaar, perhaps), it doesn't excuse the omission in a film about the need for a new Avengers team.
Why Does The Leader Think So Small?
Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now The Leader, is a gamma-powered super-genius. However, the film fails to showcase his tactical brilliance. He orchestrates a war but doesn't account for Captain America's intervention. His surrender at the climax, to simply play a recording, is puzzling. The Leader in the comics is a world-threatening mastermind; here, his motivation is petty revenge against Ross. This lack of ambition for such a significant villain is disappointing, especially given his calculated awareness of impending doomsday.
Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?
The film's climax features President Ross transforming into Red Hulk. While this mirrors the comics, the MCU's Red Hulk lacks the intelligence and ruthlessness of his comic counterpart. Instead of a tactical monster, he's a mindless rage monster, subdued by thoughts of Betty. This missed opportunity to present a different Hulk archetype—a battle-hardened soldier—is a letdown.
Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?
Red Hulk's invulnerability to bullets is evident, yet Captain America's vibranium blades pierce him. This likely stems from vibranium's unique properties, allowing it to cut through his enhanced skin, much as adamantium would.
Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?
Bucky Barnes' cameo reveals his political aspirations. This sudden shift is jarring, considering his past and personality. While it's nice to see the Sam and Bucky dynamic, Bucky's transformation into a politician feels forced.
Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?
Sidewinder's intense personal vendetta against Captain America remains unexplained. His animosity is apparent, yet the film offers no context. This unresolved plot point, potentially affected by reshoots, leaves a significant gap.
What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?
Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative, serves as a minor obstacle before becoming an ally. Her inclusion feels forced, lacking a substantial role in the narrative. The adaptation of the Sabra character from the comics, stripped of her Israeli background and mutant powers, seems arbitrary.
What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?
Adamantium's introduction is significant, serving as the plot's MacGuffin. Its impact on the global balance of power remains unclear. While it clearly sets the stage for Wolverine's arrival, its long-term consequences are uncertain.
Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?
The film barely addresses the Avengers' reformation, despite ending with Sam accepting the leadership role. The lack of groundwork for a new team, especially with Avengers: Doomsday approaching, is concerning. The film could have been a larger team-up, but instead leaves the new Avengers starting from scratch.
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.
