Marvel Studios has kicked off its 2025 slate with the release of Captain America: Brave New World, setting the tone for what might be a turbulent year for the MCU. Unfortunately, this sequel, featuring Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, has left fans wanting more (for a detailed review, see IGN's Captain America: Brave New World review). The film raises numerous questions and struggles with underdeveloped characters, leaving audiences puzzled about several key aspects.

For instance, the introduction of new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder feels incomplete. The Leader, portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson, lacks the brilliance expected of a mastermind. Moreover, the absence of major characters like the Hulk and the Avengers is glaring. Let's delve into the most perplexing questions left unanswered by Captain America: Brave New World.

Captain America: Brave New World Gallery

12 ImagesWhere Was Banner This Whole Time?

After 17 years, Marvel has finally revisited the narrative of The Incredible Hulk with Captain America: Brave New World. The film ties up many loose ends from Hulk's solo adventure, revealing the fate of Samuel Sterns post-gamma exposure and Thaddeus Ross, now played by Harrison Ford, facing consequences for his past actions. It also marks the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross. However, one crucial element is missing: Bruce Banner himself. Mark Ruffalo's character is notably absent from a story that builds directly on The Incredible Hulk.

Banner's reaction to Thaddeus Ross becoming the President, his old friend Samuel Sterns turning into a gamma-irradiated genius, and the emergence of a crimson Hulk at the White House would have been compelling. Given that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings established Banner and Captain Marvel as guardians of Earth post-Avengers, and She-Hulk showed him busy with research and raising his son, Skaar, his absence in Brave New World feels like a missed opportunity. While Marvel might explain his absence as being off-world with Skaar, the lack of Banner leaves a noticeable gap in the plot.

Why Does The Leader Think So Small?

Brave New World brings back Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now transformed and harboring a deep grudge against President Ross. As The Leader, Sterns is supposed to be as intellectually superior as Hulk is physically strong. However, the film fails to convincingly portray his tactical brilliance. Sterns seems to overlook Captain America's potential interventions, despite orchestrating a war between the US and Japan. His decision to surrender during the climax, just to play a recording to the press, also raises questions about his strategic foresight.

In the comics, The Leader is a formidable mastermind with global threats. Yet, in Brave New World, his motivation appears limited to personal vendettas against Ross, which feels underwhelming for such a significant villain. With his ability to foresee the multiverse's collapse, one would expect Sterns to have broader ambitions.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)

The film's climax features a battle between Cap and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk. While rooted in the comics, the MCU's Red Hulk deviates significantly from the source material. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a more strategic and ruthless version of the Hulk. In contrast, the movie's Red Hulk is as mindless and uncontrollable as the early Hulk, subdued by thoughts of Betty.

The irony of Ross becoming what he despised is appreciated, but fans were hoping for a more accurate depiction of Red Hulk's unique traits. This was an opportunity to showcase a different Hulk archetype—a battle-hardened soldier with immense strength. Hopefully, future MCU projects will explore this character further and in a new direction.

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

Red Hulk, like the original Hulk, boasts super-strength and invulnerability, shrugging off bullets with ease. Yet, he is vulnerable to Captain America's vibranium blades. The likely explanation is the superior properties of vibranium, which can pierce Red Hulk's flesh in ways traditional weapons cannot. This sets the stage for future confrontations, perhaps even a long-awaited Hulk vs. Wolverine battle, given adamantium's even greater durability.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief appearance in Brave New World, revealing his new role as an aspiring politician. This sudden career shift raises questions, given Bucky's history as a 110-year-old former assassin with a checkered past. What prompted this transition to politics, and how does it align with his previous MCU appearances?

While it's enjoyable to see the film acknowledge Sam and Bucky's friendship, the idea of Bucky entering politics seems out of character. More clarity on his motivations will likely be provided in the upcoming Thunderbolts* movie.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, leader of the terrorist cell Serpent, is introduced as the new secondary villain. He's hired by Sterns to steal adamantium but harbors a personal vendetta against Captain America. Sidewinder's eagerness to kill Cap for free and his determination to finish the job post-capture are left unexplained.

The film's reshoots may have impacted the clarity of his motivations. With Esposito hinting at Sidewinder's future role in a Disney+ series, fans hope for more insight into his rivalry with Cap.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative and President Ross's bodyguard, is introduced as a new government agent. Initially an obstacle to Sam, she later becomes an ally. However, her role feels somewhat superfluous, and her character development is minimal.

Ruth's inclusion seems like an attempt to fill the void left by Black Widow and Sharon Carter, but her impact on the narrative is limited. The decision to adapt the Sabra character from the comics, despite significant changes, raises questions about why Marvel didn't create a new character instead.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

Brave New World introduces adamantium to the MCU, a new super-metal discovered amidst the race to exploit Tiamut's resources. While it serves as the plot's MacGuffin, driving tensions between global powers, its broader implications remain unclear. Will adamantium become as pivotal as vibranium, or is it merely a temporary catalyst for conflict?

The introduction of adamantium is undoubtedly linked to the eventual arrival of Wolverine in the MCU. However, the film leaves fans wondering about its long-term impact on the world and the MCU's storyline.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

Years after the dissolution of the Avengers, the MCU has introduced numerous new heroes without forming a new team. Despite the buildup to Avengers: Doomsday, Brave New World does little to advance the Avengers' reunion. The film touches on the idea of Sam leading a new team, but it fails to bring any new heroes together.

The battle with Red Hulk could have benefited from the presence of other Avengers, making it a more thrilling confrontation. Instead of building on the groundwork laid by previous films like Captain America: Civil War, Brave New World leaves the Avengers' future uncertain as we approach the next big team-up movie.

What are your thoughts on Captain America: Brave New World? Which aspects left you scratching your head, and do you think the film should have included more Avengers? Share your opinions in the comments below.