Captain America: Brave New World leaves viewers with several lingering questions. This review delves into the film's most perplexing plot points and unanswered questions.

Captain America: Brave New World Image Gallery

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Where Was Bruce Banner?

Seventeen years later, Marvel finally delivered a sequel to The Incredible Hulk, revisiting unresolved storylines and characters. However, the glaring omission is Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner. His absence is baffling, given the film's direct connection to the events of The Incredible Hulk. Banner's expertise and connection to the unfolding events involving Samuel Sterns and Thaddeus Ross would have been invaluable. His established role in monitoring global threats further emphasizes his inexplicable absence. While Marvel may offer an explanation (perhaps off-world with Skaar), the lack of Banner leaves a significant plot hole.

The Leader's Underwhelming Strategy

Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, now The Leader, possesses superhuman intelligence but demonstrates surprisingly poor strategic thinking. His plan seems amateurish, overlooking Captain America's potential intervention. His surrender at the climax is equally puzzling, as his final act—playing a recorded phone call—could have been achieved without self-incrimination. The Leader's motivations are reduced to a personal vendetta against Ross, lacking the world-threatening ambition expected from such a formidable villain.

Red Hulk's Uninspired Portrayal

The film's depiction of Red Hulk falls short of its comic book counterpart. Instead of a cunning and strategically adept monster, Ross is portrayed as a mindless rage-filled brute, easily subdued by thoughts of Betty Ross. While the irony of Ross becoming what he hated is appreciated, the opportunity to present a unique Hulk variation was missed.

Inconsistencies in Red Hulk's Vulnerability

Red Hulk's invulnerability to bullets is contradicted by his susceptibility to Captain America's vibranium blades. While vibranium's superior properties likely explain this discrepancy, it raises questions about the relative strength of different materials within the MCU.

Bucky Barnes' Unexpected Political Career

Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes makes a cameo appearance as an aspiring politician. This sudden career shift lacks explanation and seems incongruous with his past. His history of assassination and manipulation makes his political ambitions questionable.

Sidewinder's Unexplained Grudge

Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder harbors a seemingly unexplained personal vendetta against Captain America. The film fails to clarify the nature of their conflict, leaving this motivation unresolved. With Esposito teasing Sidewinder's future appearances, this plot point requires further explanation.

Sabra's Underutilized Role

Shira Haas' Ruth Bat-Seraph, a character adapted from the comics, serves a limited purpose. Her role as a minor obstacle turned ally feels underdeveloped. The adaptation of Sabra, stripped of her Israeli origins and superpowers, raises questions about the necessity of using this specific character.

Adamantium's Unclear Significance

The introduction of adamantium, a new super-metal, serves primarily as a plot device. Its long-term implications remain unclear, beyond its connection to Wolverine's eventual appearance. Its significance compared to vibranium is also questionable.

The Absence of the Avengers

The film touches upon the need for a new Avengers team but fails to meaningfully progress towards its formation. The lack of a larger team-up, especially during the climactic battle, is disappointing, leaving the Avengers' reformation seemingly distant.

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