'Captain America: Brave New World' Raises Unanswered Mysteries

Captain America: Brave New World leaves viewers with several unanswered questions and underdeveloped plot points. This review explores the film's biggest WTF moments, prompting discussion on the MCU's evolving narrative.

Captain America: Brave New World Image Gallery

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Where Was Bruce Banner?

Seventeen years after The Incredible Hulk, Brave New World revisits the unresolved threads of that film, including Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns and Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross. Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross adds to this. However, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is conspicuously absent. Given Banner's established role in monitoring global threats and his connection to Sterns, his absence is a significant plot hole. While Marvel might offer an explanation (e.g., off-world with Skaar), his absence weakens the narrative.

The Leader's Limited Scope

Samuel Sterns, now The Leader, is portrayed as less of a brilliant mastermind and more of a man consumed by a personal vendetta against Ross. His tactical decisions seem short-sighted, and his surrender at the climax feels illogical. The comic book version of The Leader poses a far greater threat, making the film's portrayal underwhelming.

Red Hulk's Uninspired Portrayal

President Ross's transformation into Red Hulk lacks the nuance of the comic book counterpart. Instead of a cunning and intelligent adversary, the film presents him as a mindless rage monster, similar to the early iterations of the Hulk. This missed opportunity to explore a different Hulk archetype is disappointing.

Inconsistency in Red Hulk's Vulnerability

Red Hulk's invulnerability to bullets is contradicted by Captain America's ability to injure him with vibranium blades. While vibranium's superior properties likely explain this discrepancy, it raises questions about the consistency of power levels.

Bucky's Unexpected Political Career

Bucky Barnes' sudden emergence as a political candidate feels jarring and unexplained. His history and personality don't suggest a natural transition into politics, making this plot point feel forced and out of character.

Sidewinder's Unexplained Grudge

Sidewinder's intense personal vendetta against Captain America lacks sufficient explanation. The film fails to establish the roots of this animosity, leaving this aspect of the plot unresolved.

Sabra's Unnecessary Inclusion

Ruth Bat-Seraph, adapted from the Sabra character, feels like an unnecessary addition. Her role is largely inconsequential to the main plot, and her adaptation from the comics strips away key elements of her original character.

Adamantium's Unclear Significance

Adamantium's introduction serves primarily as a plot device, driving conflict between global powers. Its long-term implications for the MCU remain unclear, beyond its connection to Wolverine's eventual arrival.

The Absent Avengers

The film's focus on a solo Captain America story overshadows the potential for a larger Avengers-scale conflict. The lack of significant groundwork for a new Avengers team, despite the years since Endgame, is a missed opportunity. The film hints at the need for a new team but fails to fully capitalize on this.

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