Captain America: Brave New World's WTF Puzzles Unraveled

Captain America: Brave New World leaves viewers with several lingering questions. This latest MCU installment, while introducing Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, falls short in several key areas, leaving many plot points unresolved and characters underdeveloped. Let's delve into the biggest unanswered questions.

Captain America: Brave New World Image Gallery

12 Images

Where's Bruce Banner?

Seventeen years after The Incredible Hulk, Brave New World revisits many of that film's loose ends, including the return of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns and Liv Tyler's Betty Ross. However, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is conspicuously absent. Given the direct connection to The Incredible Hulk and Banner's established role in monitoring global events, his absence is a significant plot hole. While Marvel may offer an explanation (perhaps off-world with Skaar), his omission weakens the narrative.

The Leader's Underwhelming Strategy:

Sterns, now the Leader, possesses immense intellect, yet his plans seem surprisingly simplistic. His orchestration of a US-Japan conflict lacks foresight, failing to account for Captain America's intervention. His surrender at the climax, merely to play a recording, is equally baffling. The Leader's portrayal lacks the strategic brilliance expected of such a formidable villain, reducing him to someone primarily driven by a personal vendetta against President Ross.

Red Hulk's Uninspired Transformation:

President Ross' transformation into Red Hulk mirrors the Green Hulk's mindless rage, lacking the intelligence and tactical prowess depicted in the comics. While the irony of Ross becoming what he despised is evident, the missed opportunity to present a distinct and compelling Red Hulk variant is disappointing.

Vibranium vs. Bullets:

Red Hulk's invulnerability to bullets is contradicted by Captain America's ability to wound him with vibranium blades. While vibranium's superior properties offer a plausible explanation, it raises questions about the relative strengths of different materials within the MCU.

Bucky's Unexpected Political Career:

Bucky Barnes' sudden foray into politics feels jarring and unexplained. His past actions and personality don't suggest political aspirations, making his campaign trail appearance incongruous.

Sidewinder's Unexplained Grudge:

Sidewinder's intense personal vendetta against Captain America remains unaddressed. While his motivations may have been elaborated upon in earlier drafts, the film leaves this crucial aspect unexplained, creating a narrative inconsistency.

Sabra's Underutilized Role:

Ruth Bat-Seraph, the MCU's adaptation of Sabra, serves a limited purpose. Her character arc presents a minor obstacle before becoming an ally, ultimately feeling underutilized and lacking a significant impact on the overall plot. The choice to adapt Sabra, while significantly altering her origin and abilities, also raises questions about the necessity of using this specific character.

Adamantium's Uncertain Significance:

Adamantium's introduction, while setting the stage for Wolverine's eventual appearance, lacks broader context. Its impact on the global power dynamic remains unclear, leaving its long-term significance uncertain.

The Absent Avengers:

The film alludes to the need for a new Avengers team, but fails to build a foundation for its formation. The lack of significant groundwork for an Avengers reunion, despite the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, highlights a disconnect between introducing new heroes and assembling them into a cohesive team.

Poll: Should Captain America: Brave New World have included more Avengers characters? (Yes/No options provided)

The film concludes with many questions unanswered, leaving fans to speculate about the future of the MCU and the lingering impact of Brave New World's unresolved plotlines.