Marvel Studios kicked off its 2025 slate of movies with the release of *Captain America: Brave New World*. However, the sequel, which marks Anthony Mackie's debut as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, has left fans with more questions than answers. The film, unfortunately, falls short of expectations and leaves viewers puzzled over unresolved plot points and underdeveloped characters. For a detailed analysis, you can refer to IGN's review of *Captain America: Brave New World*.

The movie introduces new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder, yet their roles and motivations remain unclear. The Leader, portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson, fails to live up to his reputation as a brilliant mastermind. Additionally, the absence of key figures like the Hulk and the Avengers raises significant questions. Let's delve into the major "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 revisited *The Incredible Hulk* with *Captain America: Brave New World*. The film ties up loose ends from the original Hulk movie, including the fate of Samuel Sterns after his gamma exposure and Thaddeus Ross, now played by Harrison Ford, facing consequences for his actions. Liv Tyler also returns as Betty Ross, adding to the nostalgia. However, one crucial element is missing: Bruce Banner, the Hulk himself.

Given the plot's direct connection to *The Incredible Hulk*, it's puzzling why Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner has no role in the film. With Thaddeus Ross becoming the President of the United States and Samuel Sterns turning into a gamma-irradiated super-genius, Banner's absence feels glaring. *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* and the *She-Hulk* series have shown that Banner is actively involved in global monitoring and personal projects. His exclusion from this Hulk-centric story leaves a noticeable gap in the narrative.

While Marvel might eventually provide an explanation, perhaps involving Banner being off-world with his son Skaar, the lack of his presence in *Brave New World* is disappointing. The film emphasizes Sam Wilson's journey to re-establish the Avengers, yet it only offers a brief cameo from Sebastian Stan's Bucky. Including Banner, even in a minor role, could have enriched the story significantly.

Why Does The Leader Think So Small?

*Captain America: Brave New World* sees the return of Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns, now known as The Leader. Transformed by gamma radiation, Sterns should be a tactical genius, but the film doesn't fully showcase his intellect. He seems to overlook Captain America's potential to disrupt his plans, such as orchestrating a war between the US and Japan.

Moreover, Sterns' decision to surrender during the climax is perplexing. His final act against Ross involves merely playing a recorded phone call to the press. Why give up his freedom for such a minor victory when he could continue plotting from the shadows? In the comics, The Leader is a formidable mastermind with global ambitions. In *Brave New World*, his focus on personal vendettas against Ross feels underwhelming, especially considering his awareness of the looming multiversal collapse.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

The film's climax features a battle between Sam Wilson and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk. While this plot twist echoes the comic books, the MCU's Red Hulk deviates from the source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence and tactical prowess, offering a unique contrast to the traditional Hulk. In the movie, however, Ross becomes a mindless beast, much like the early versions of Banner's Hulk.

The irony of Ross turning into what he despises is compelling, but the film misses the opportunity to explore a more nuanced take on Red Hulk. With the MCU having shown various facets of the Hulk character, *Brave New World* could have introduced a battle-savvy Red Hulk. Hopefully, future appearances will align more closely with the comics.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

As Red Hulk, Ross exhibits powers similar to those of the Hulk, including super-strength and some invulnerability. He shrugs off bullets, but Captain America's blades cut him. The likely explanation lies in the material of Sam's blades—vibranium. This Wakandan metal can pierce Red Hulk's skin, unlike conventional weapons. This sets the stage for future confrontations, perhaps with characters like Wolverine, whose adamantium claws could similarly affect Red Hulk.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a cameo in *Brave New World*, revealing his new role as a politician. This development raises eyebrows, given Bucky's history as a 110-year-old former assassin with a complex past. The film doesn't provide a clear reason for his political ambitions, leaving fans puzzled.

While it's enjoyable to see Bucky and Sam reunite, the idea of the typically brooding and solitary Bucky entering politics feels out of place. Perhaps more context will be provided in the upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie, but for now, this plot point feels underdeveloped.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

With Crossbones gone, *Brave New World* introduces Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder as a new antagonist. Leading the terrorist group Serpent, Sidewinder's personal vendetta against Captain America is left unexplained. Despite his capture, he remains fixated on killing Sam Wilson.

The film's reshoots may have impacted Sidewinder's backstory, leaving viewers to wonder about his motivations. Esposito has hinted at Sidewinder's future in a Disney+ series, suggesting that this plot thread might be resolved later. However, it's disappointing that *Brave New World* doesn't provide more clarity.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

Shira Haas's Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative turned bodyguard for President Ross, is introduced as a new character. Initially an adversary to Sam, she becomes an ally but her role in the overall plot feels minimal. The film seems to include her more out of obligation to have a Black Widow-like character than for any substantial narrative purpose.

Ruth's adaptation from the comic book character Sabra is also confusing. In the MCU, she lacks the Israeli background and superpowers of her comic counterpart. This raises questions about why Marvel chose to adapt Sabra rather than create an entirely new character.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

*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 to drive the film's conflict, its long-term implications are unclear. The introduction of adamantium hints at future storylines, particularly the eventual arrival of Wolverine, but its broader impact on the MCU remains to be seen.

The Ross/Ozaki Accords may temporarily resolve the tensions over adamantium, but whether this will be a lasting solution is uncertain. Given Marvel's pacing, it might take years before we see the full effects of adamantium in the MCU.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

Years after the Avengers disbanded, *Brave New World* teases the idea of reassembling the team but fails to move the needle. Despite introducing numerous new heroes, the MCU has yet to bring them together effectively. The film only hints at Sam Wilson's potential leadership, leaving fans frustrated at the lack of progress toward a new Avengers team.

The climactic battle with Red Hulk could have benefited from additional Avengers, turning *Brave New World* into a more thrilling team-up movie. Instead, the groundwork for *Avengers: Doomsday* remains largely untouched, leaving fans wondering when the MCU will finally reunite Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

What were your biggest "WTF" moments after watching *Captain America: Brave New World*? Do you think the movie should have included more Avengers characters? Share your thoughts in the comments below and vote in our poll: