Everything you need to know before watching Captain America: Brave New World..!

‘Captain America: Brave New World‘, the fourth film in the franchise is not creating a big hype despite the success of the first three films. A Captain America film without Steve Rogers surely has its effects. But still this movie is interesting due to the ‘Hulk lore’ & introduction of some iconic comic characters like ‘The Serpent Society’. Let’s deep dive into everything you should know before watching this film.

-The Big Bad Leader-

One of Marvel’s most intelligent and diabolical villains, The Leader/Samuel Sterns is known for his towering intellect and rivalry with the Hulk. Unlike the Hulk, whose transformation enhances his strength, Sterns’ mutation drastically increases his brainpower, making him one of the most formidable minds in the Marvel Universe.

Coming to the origins of The Leader, Samuel Sterns was an ordinary human working as a janitor at a chemical plant. His life took a dramatic turn when he was exposed to gamma radiation during an accident at work. Instead of succumbing to radiation poisoning, Sterns underwent a terrifying mutation. His brain grew at an alarming rate, expanding his intelligence to superhuman levels. This mutation also caused his skull to enlarge, giving him his distinct green skin and abnormally large cranium.

Now with a genius-level intellect, Sterns adopted the name The Leader and developed an obsession with gamma-based superhumans, especially the Hulk. Believing himself destined to rule over ordinary humans due to his enhanced mind, The Leader often crafts elaborate schemes to conquer the world. The Leader’s primary power is his superhuman intellect, He has an IQ that far surpasses human limits. His cognitive abilities include perfect memory, rapid information processing, and superior analytical skills. Through this ability, he can be a master strategist and manipulator. He can also do technological mastery, gamma energy manipulation.

Despite his immense intelligence, The Leader’s arrogance and overconfidence often lead to his downfall. He underestimates his enemies, especially the Hulk, believing that his superior mind can always outmatch brute strength. Additionally, his reliance on gamma radiation for sustenance makes him vulnerable to its absence. The Leader’s live-action debut was in The Incredible Hulk (2008), where actor Tim Blake Nelson portrayed Samuel Sterns. In the MCU, he is a cellular biologist who was accidentally cross-contaminated with the blood of Bruce Banner during the events of the film. Then this same iteration appeared on MCU Tie in Comics: ‘Fury’s Big Week’ where he met Natasha Romanoff just after his scene in the film. Now after years of absence, The Leader is returning in ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’

-The Red Hulk-

Everyone knows The Red Hulk (Rulk) is ‘General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross’. In Comics, for years, Ross relentlessly pursued the Hulk, determined to eliminate what he saw as a threat to humanity. Ironically, in Hulk Vol. 2 (2008), Ross undergoes a secret experiment by A.I.M. and the Intelligencia, transforming into the very monster he hunted, a red-skinned version of the Hulk with unique powers and a terrifying rage. Initially a dangerous antagonist, Red Hulk later finds redemption and even fights alongside the Avengers.

Red Hulk possesses immense strength, durability, and a regenerative healing factor that rivals the Hulk’s. Unlike the green Hulk, he retains his full intelligence and military tactics while in his transformed state. His unique ability to absorb radiation and cosmic energy enhances his power and allows him to generate extreme heat, but prolonged use causes his body to overheat and weaken. His strength is immense, but his uncontrollable rage and arrogance often cloud his judgment in battle.

Red Hulk has appeared in animated shows like Avengers Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. He is now making his live-action debut in Captain America: Brave New World (2025), with Harrison Ford portraying General Ross. In the movie, Ross is not an army general, but the US President, which builds the stakes higher.

-The Serpent Society-

The Serpent Society is a team of snake-themed supervillains in the Marvel Universe, primarily known for clashing with Captain America. Created as a criminal organization for hire, they function more like a business than a traditional villainous group. Introduced in Captain America #310 (1985), the Serpent Society was founded by Sidewinder, who united various snake-themed villains under one banner to pool their resources and enhance their success rate. The group’s mercenary missions often involve assassinations, corporate sabotage, and battles with Marvel’s heroes.

In ‘Captain America: Brave New World’, there are two main Serpent Society Villains appearing.

• -Sidewinder (Seth Voelker)-

The founder and first leader of the Serpent Society, Sidewinder is a cunning strategist and businessman. A former college professor turned criminal; he gained his powers after being exposed to mystical energies from a serpent crown. Sidewinder’s primary ability is teleportation, which allows him to disappear and reappear at will, making him nearly impossible to capture. He’s also a skilled leader and manipulator, using his intellect to coordinate the team’s missions effectively. Giancarlo Esposito plays ‘Sidewinder’ in the MCU.

• -Copperhead-

Copperhead is a ruthless mercenary and one of the deadliest members of the Serpent Society. Unlike some of his more comical counterparts, Copperhead is a brutal hand-to-hand combatant with enhanced agility and strength. His serpent-themed armor provides protection and enhances his physical abilities, while his razor-sharp fangs and claws make him a formidable opponent. Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson plays ‘Copperhead’ in the MCU.

In Comics, Members of the Serpent Society have unique abilities and specialized weaponry based on their snake-themed personas. Sidewinder’s teleportation gives him an edge in any confrontation, while Copperhead’s superhuman agility, strength, and armored suit make him a powerful close-combat fighter. However, the Society’s biggest strength is their teamwork and coordination which can also be their greatest weakness when infighting or personal ambitions disrupt their operations.

In the MCU, the adaptation will be a grounded and intense portrayal of the group, adding a fresh twist to Captain America’s rogues’ gallery.

-New Captain America & Falcon-

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle of Captain America, while Joaquín Torres steps into the role of the new Falcon. This transition is explored in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and continues in the film Captain America: Brave New World (2025).

• Sam Wilson as Captain America

Originally known as the Falcon, Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, is a former pararescue airman who became an ally of Steve Rogers. After Steve’s retirement, Sam was entrusted with Captain America’s shield, symbolizing his succession to the role. In ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ Series, Sam grapples with the legacy of the shield and the societal implications of becoming the first Black Captain America. By the series’ end, he embraces this responsibility, donning a new suit that blends his Falcon flight capabilities with the iconic Captain America aesthetics.

• Joaquín Torres as the New Falcon

Joaquín Torres, portrayed by Danny Ramirez, is introduced in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ Series, as a U.S. Air Force lieutenant and intelligence officer who assists Sam Wilson. In the comics, Torres becomes a human-falcon hybrid after being subjected to experiments by the villain Dr. Karl Malus, leading him to take up the mantle of Falcon alongside Sam’s Captain America. In the MCU, he inherits Sam’s original wingsuit, signaling his emergence as the new Falcon.

-Additional Characters-

• Ruth Bat-Seraph (Sabra)

Ruth Bat-Seraph, also known as Sabra, is an Israeli superhero and mutant in the Marvel Universe. Introduced in Incredible Hulk #256 (1981), she is a highly trained Mossad agent with enhanced strength, speed, agility, and a healing factor. Sabra’s mission is to protect Israel from threats, both human and superhuman. In addition to her combat skills, she can channel her energy into powerful plasma blasts. Her strong sense of justice and loyalty to her homeland makes her a fierce yet compassionate warrior.

Sabra is set to make her MCU debut in Captain America: Brave New World (2025), portrayed by Shira Haas. Her appearance marks the introduction of a global superhero perspective in the MCU, likely bringing political and cultural themes into the film’s narrative.

• Isaiah Bradley

Isaiah Bradley is a tragic yet heroic figure in Marvel lore, introduced in Truth: Red, White & Black #1 (2003). A survivor of the U.S. government’s unethical experiments to recreate the Super Soldier Serum, Isaiah became a secret Captain America long before Steve Rogers. Known as the “Black Captain America,” his story reflects real-world issues of racism and injustice.

In the MCU, Isaiah is portrayed by Carl Lumbly, who played a crucial role in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ Series, revealing to Sam Wilson the hidden and painful history of Black soldiers like him. His experiences greatly influence Sam’s decision to carry the shield, symbolizing resilience and the fight for justice. He will return to ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’

• Betty Ross

Betty Ross, daughter of General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, is a key figure in Hulk’s story and a complex character in her own right. Introduced in Incredible Hulk #1 (1962), she has been both Bruce Banner’s love interest and a powerful character with her own arcs. Over time, Betty becomes Red She-Hulk in the comics after being exposed to gamma radiation, transforming into a formidable force with powers rivaling those of the Hulk.

In the MCU, Betty Ross (played by Liv Tyler) appeared in The Incredible Hulk (2008) and is confirmed to return to Captain America: Brave New World (2025). Her return raises intriguing possibilities, particularly with the involvement of General Ross (now played by Harrison Ford) and the emerging gamma-powered threats in the storyline.

-Eternals & Adamantium-

One of the most intriguing elements to be explored in the film is the connection between Eternals and the discovery of adamantium, a rare and nearly indestructible metal in the Marvel Universe. Unlike vibranium, which was introduced through Wakanda’s origins, adamantium is speculated to be found at the site of Tiamut, the frozen Celestial seen at the end of Eternals (2021). Tiamut’s emergence left a massive metallic corpse in the Indian Ocean, and it’s believed that fragments of his body contain the newly introduced metal, setting off a global rush for control of this valuable resource.

-Conclusion-

Captain America: Brave New World promises to be a pivotal chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, blending political intrigue, legacy, and new beginnings. With the possibility of setting up a second MCU Hulk movie, the film aims to explore fresh storylines while honoring the rich history of the franchise. Fans can also look forward to seeing new global heroes like Sabra and deeper connections to the broader Marvel Universe.

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ is set to release on February 14, 2025.