Captain America: Brave New World - Top WTF Mysteries Unveiled

Marvel Studios kicked off its 2025 slate with the release of "Captain America: Brave New World," but the film has left fans with more questions than answers. As the first movie to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, it was expected to set a strong tone for the MCU's future. However, the film's execution has led to a series of perplexing moments and underdeveloped characters. For a more detailed analysis, check out IGN's Captain America: Brave New World review.

From new characters like Ruth Bat-Seraph and Sidewinder to the puzzling absence of familiar faces like the Hulk and the Avengers, here's a breakdown of the biggest "WTF" moments from the film.

Captain America: Brave New World Gallery

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Where Was Banner This Whole Time?

It's been 17 years since "The Incredible Hulk," and "Captain America: Brave New World" finally picks up its threads. We see the aftermath of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns' gamma exposure, Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross facing consequences, and Liv Tyler reprising her role as Betty Ross. Yet, the absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is glaring. Given the plot's ties to "The Incredible Hulk," it's surprising that Banner, who has been monitoring the world with Captain Marvel since the Avengers disbanded, was not involved. His absence leaves a noticeable gap, especially as the film explores themes of the world needing the Avengers again.

Why Does The Leader Think So Small?

Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now known as The Leader, returns with a transformed appearance and a vendetta against President Ross. Despite his superhuman intelligence, the film fails to showcase his tactical prowess effectively. Sterns, who supposedly orchestrated a war between the US and Japan, seems to overlook Captain America's potential interference. His decision to turn himself in to reveal a simple recording also raises questions about his strategic planning. In the comics, The Leader is a mastermind threatening the world, but here, his motivations seem limited to personal vendettas against Ross, which feels underwhelming for such a significant character.

Why Is Red Hulk So Much Like Green Hulk?

The film's climax features an epic battle between Captain America and a transformed President Ross, who becomes the Red Hulk. In the comics, Red Hulk retains his intelligence, making him a strategic and ruthless opponent. However, in "Brave New World," Ross's Red Hulk is just as mindless as the early versions of the Green Hulk. This portrayal misses an opportunity to offer a fresh take on the Hulk archetype, leaving fans wanting a more comic-accurate representation.

Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)

Why Did Those Blades Hurt Red Hulk but Not Bullets?

Red Hulk's invulnerability is evident when he shrugs off bullets, yet Captain America's vibranium blades cut through him. This discrepancy is likely due to the unique properties of vibranium, which allows Sam's weapons to pierce Red Hulk's skin. This raises intriguing possibilities for future confrontations, particularly with adamantium-wielding characters like Wolverine.

Why Is Bucky a Politician Now?

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a brief appearance, revealing his new role as a politician on the campaign trail. This unexpected career shift raises questions about his motivations, given his tumultuous past and lack of prior political aspirations. While it's great to see Bucky and Sam's friendship highlighted, his political ambitions feel out of character. More context will likely be provided in the upcoming "Thunderbolts" movie.

Why Does Sidewinder Want to Kill Cap So Badly?

Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, the leader of the terrorist cell Serpent, emerges as a new antagonist. His personal vendetta against Captain America is a central plot point, yet the film fails to explain his motives adequately. Sidewinder's determination to kill Cap, even after his capture, suggests a deeper backstory that was possibly cut during the film's reshoots. With Esposito hinting at future appearances, this unresolved thread needs further exploration.

What Was the Point of Sabra, Exactly?

Shira Haas's Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Red Room operative and President Ross's bodyguard, introduces a new government agent to the MCU. While she initially opposes Sam, she eventually becomes an ally. However, her role feels underutilized and somewhat redundant, especially given her significant differences from her comic book counterpart. The decision to adapt Sabra without her original characteristics raises questions about her purpose in the narrative.

What’s the Deal With Adamantium Now?

"Brave New World" introduces adamantium, a new super-metal that becomes a central plot element. While it drives the film's conflict, its long-term impact on the MCU remains unclear. The introduction of adamantium hints at future storylines, particularly with characters like Wolverine, but its significance beyond this film is uncertain. The Ross/Ozaki Accords may temporarily resolve the issue, but the true ramifications of adamantium are yet to be seen.

Why Are We No Closer to the Avengers?

Despite years passing since the Avengers disbanded, "Brave New World" does little to advance the formation of a new team. While the film touches on the idea of reuniting the Avengers, it falls short of actualizing it. Sam Wilson's acceptance of his role as the Avengers' leader is a step forward, but the film misses an opportunity to include more heroes in the final battle. As "Avengers: Doomsday" approaches, the MCU needs to start weaving its new characters 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? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below:

For more on Captain America and the future of the MCU, check out our Brave New World ending explained breakdown and see every Marvel movie and series in development.