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Credit: Marvel StudiosThe shift in the mantle of Captain America from Steve Rogers, portrayed by Chris Evans, to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) signifies a broader theme of evolution within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sam Wilson stepping into the shoes of Captain America marks not just a character change but a broader thematic exploration of identity and representation in modern superhero narratives.
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Captain America: Brave New World is the upcoming superhero film that continues the legacy of the iconic Marvel character, now portrayed by Anthony Mackie as the former Falcon, Sam Wilson. The narrative will thrust Wilson into an international incident shortly after the newly sworn-in President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford, takes office.
Throughout the film, Wilson must unravel a nefarious global plot while upholding the ideals of Captain America. This film not only builds on the events of the Disney+ (Disney Plus) series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier but also serves as a direct sequel, continuing the exploration of what it means to be a hero in contemporary times.
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The film’s essential cast also features key players like Shira Haas, who portrays the Israeli character Sabra, alongside notable actors such as Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, and Tim Blake Nelson. Set for release on February 14, 2025, Captain America: Brave New World (formerly Captain America: New World Order) is steered by director Julius Onah, with a script from Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and Matthew Orton.
Disney’s Shift on Israel Connections
The film has sparked significant controversy surrounding its connections to Israel, particularly with the casting of Shira Haas as Sabra, a character from the comics who is Israeli. The original portrayal and associations with Israeli themes have been recalibrated following substantial backlash from audiences considering the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Reports indicate that Haas’ character was initially meant to draw on her Israeli heritage. However, insider sources suggest (via Daniel Richtman/@DanielRPK) that Marvel has decided to strip the character of her Israeli and X-Men ties, effectively making her a “random powerless ex-Black Widow”:
After backlash, Marvel has removed any links to Ruth/Sabra being Israeli ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. Now she’s a random powerless ex-Black Widow. Before reshoots she was a mutant who tells sam she got her powers when she was a teen in Tel Aviv.
This shift is one clearly meant to defuse tensions and respond to criticisms of the film’s perceived pro-Zionist messaging.
The initial announcement of Captain America: Brave New World elicited a mixed response from fans, especially concerning the casting decision for Sabra and the tone of the film. While many fans celebrate the diversification of characters, others have voiced concerns about the portrayal of Israeli connections and the originality of the character’s narrative.
Calls for a boycott have emerged, centering on accusations of the film perpetuating Zionist agendas. This discourse has led to a broader discussion on the expectations audiences have regarding representation and narrative integrity in superhero films.
As Marvel prepares its upcoming release, viewers are keenly aware of the tonal direction — balancing the heroic, patriotic essence of Captain America with a narrative that reflects real-world complexities. Will Marvel and Disney stick the landing? That remains to be seen.
Will you be watching Captain America: Brave New World in theaters? What do you think about the change to Sabra? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
More on Captain America: Brave New World
In Captain America: Brave New World, likely setting up Marvel Comics’ World War Hulk storyline, Tim Blake Nelson returns as Samuel Sterns, also known as the Leader, a cellular biologist who gains superhuman intelligence after being exposed to Bruce Banner’s gamma-irradiated blood.
Harrison Ford steps into the role of Thaddeus Ross, now President Ross of the United States — and most likely the Red Hulk — replacing the late William Hurt. Liv Tyler also returns, reprising her role as Betty Ross from 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. She portrays a cellular biologist and Bruce Banner’s former girlfriend.
Notably absent from the cast is Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, a long-time staple in the Captain America films. His storyline is now set to continue in the upcoming Thunderbolts movie. Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson will take center stage, donning a new Captain America suit, alongside Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon and U.S. Air Force lieutenant introduced in Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
The ensemble cast also includes Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, Shira Haas as Ruth/Sabra, and additional actors such as Xosha Roquemore, Seth Rollins, Rosa Salazar, and Giancarlo Esposito in undisclosed roles. Contrary to rumors, Esposito is not playing the MCU’s new Professor X/Charles Xavier.