Captain America: Brave New World - Our Biggest WTF Questions

Captain America: Brave New World leaves viewers with several lingering questions. This review analyzes the film's biggest unanswered questions and plot inconsistencies.

Captain America: Brave New World Image Gallery

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Where's Bruce Banner?

Seventeen years after The Incredible Hulk, Brave New World directly addresses its loose ends, featuring the return of Samuel Sterns and Betty Ross. However, Bruce Banner's absence is glaring. His expertise and connection to the unfolding events involving gamma radiation and Sterns' transformation into The Leader demand his presence. While Marvel might offer an explanation (off-world with Skaar), his omission weakens the narrative.

The Leader's Underwhelming Strategy

The Leader, a brilliant mastermind in the comics, is portrayed less effectively here. His strategic blunders, such as failing to account for Captain America's intervention, and his inexplicable surrender, contradict his supposed intellect. His motivation seems limited to personal revenge against Ross, lacking the grander, world-threatening schemes expected from such a villain.

Red Hulk's Inconsistent Power Set

Red Hulk's portrayal deviates significantly from the comics. While he exhibits super-strength and invulnerability (withstanding bullets), he's surprisingly vulnerable to Captain America's vibranium blades. This inconsistency undermines the character's established power set in the source material.

Why the Vibranium Advantage?

The film implies that vibranium's unique properties allow Captain America's weapons to pierce Red Hulk's otherwise bulletproof skin. This explanation, while plausible, raises the question of other similarly durable materials and their potential effectiveness against enhanced beings.

Bucky's Unexpected Political Career

Bucky Barnes' sudden political aspirations are jarring. His past actions and personality suggest an unlikely transition into the political arena. While his cameo is appreciated, his political ambitions feel forced and unexplained.

Sidewinder's Unclear Motivation

Sidewinder's intense personal vendetta against Captain America remains unexplained. While his actions are integral to the plot, the lack of clarity regarding his animosity towards Sam Wilson leaves a significant narrative gap.

Sabra's Underutilized Role

Ruth Bat-Seraph, the MCU adaptation of Sabra, feels underutilized. While she initially poses a challenge to Sam, she quickly becomes an ally and fades into the background. Her adaptation from the comics also raises questions about the choice to use the Sabra name given the significant alterations to her character.

Adamantium's Unclear Significance

Adamantium's introduction is significant, but its long-term impact remains uncertain. While it serves as a plot device driving conflict, its ultimate consequences for the MCU are unclear beyond its connection to the eventual introduction of Wolverine.

The Absence of the Avengers

The film hints at the need for a new Avengers team, but fails to meaningfully progress towards its formation. The lack of other Avengers in the climactic battle leaves the audience wondering why such a crucial moment lacked the support of other heroes. This undercuts the film's thematic focus on the need for a new team and leaves the future Avengers team's formation feeling unprepared for.

Should Brave New World have included more Avengers?

The film's climax could have benefited from the inclusion of more Avengers, enhancing the excitement and stakes. However, others might argue that focusing solely on Sam Wilson's journey was the right approach. The debate highlights the film's conflicting priorities.