‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Plot Holes That Make No Sense

Heed this warning: The content below may reveal key plot points from “Captain America: Brave New World.” Read at your own risk if you wish to avoid spoilers.

In the past, the Marvel Cinematic Universe functioned flawlessly, much like a well-oiled machine. It built anticipation by hinting at new characters, assembled groups, and concluded narratives with spectacular finesse.

For a Marvel fan, those days are starting to feel like a long time ago.

The movies of Phase 5 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have faced setbacks such as scheduling issues, reshoots, and significant staff changes. Some of these hurdles, like the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes, were beyond Marvel’s influence. However, fans don’t seek explanations when they spend $15 or $20 on a ticket; instead, they desire a well-structured, engaging film. Unfortunately, such films have been scarce from Marvel in recent times. In contrast to the highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine, we’ve seen movies like Eternals, The Marvels, and now Captain America: Brave New World.

Marvel’s latest production boasts some appealing aspects, such as Anthony Mackie delivering an outstanding portrayal as the new Captain America and several commendable action sequences. However, the narrative and dialogue often leave much to be desired, filled with tangled subplots, peculiar villain schemes, and perplexing appearances that confuse rather than engage. Here are 11 instances where these issues are particularly evident. (As for the 12th point, “Why did Marvel emphasize Red Hulk in every teaser, trailer, and poster if Brave New World was going to present it as a surprising twist?”, that’s not something we can definitively answer.)

Captain America: Brave New World Plot Details That Make No Sense

1. Did Marvel Forget About Secret Invasion?

In approximately 18 months since Marvel’s “Secret Invasion” series on Disney+ concluded, we find ourselves in a narrative where the events of the show seem to have been erased or forgotten. The new President, Thaddeus Ross (portrayed by Harrison Ford), speaks vaguely about past threats but avoids mentioning any distrust towards extraterrestrial beings, despite previous government paranoia and fear of Skrulls. Remarkably, the ongoing activities related to S.H.I.E.L.D., S.A.B.E.R., and Nick Fury are nowhere to be found in this new context, as if “Secret Invasion” never took place at all (given the series’ reception, this might not be a bad thing).

2. Why Doesn’t the Leader Just Brainwash President Ross? Or Captain America? Or Everyone???

The central strategy of this character, known as The Leader, revolves around manipulating individuals through sudden bursts of light or fragments of sound. A mere glance at an incorrect phone or a listen to an old pop tune could make someone obey his every command. This power is utilized to attempt the assassination of the President and push the world towards war.

However, it’s puzzling that despite having no apparent limitations to his mind-control abilities, The Leader does not use them on key characters like Captain America (Isaiah Bradley), portrayed by Carl Lumbly. One might wonder why he doesn’t exploit this power more effectively by simply calling Captain America and issuing commands.

Moreover, it seems strange that he doesn’t brainwash President Ross himself. Instead of putting him in a vulnerable position, why not take control and make him perform humiliating acts instantly? For instance, “President Ross, I order you to lower your pants live on television and give the Japanese prime minister a noogie.

3. Where Is Bruce Banner During All of This?

In “Brave New World”, it seems more like a spin-off from “The Incredible Hulk” rather than a continuation of the previous “Captain America” films. The characters from the 2008 “Incredible Hulk”, such as The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson), Ross (Harrison Ford replacing William Hurt), and Betty (Liv Tyler) are present, yet there’s no sign of Bruce Banner. Characters frequently mention him, sometimes in awkwardly comical ways, but he remains absent. This is peculiar given that his arch-nemesis is now the U.S. President, his ex-girlfriend (as referred to by the news) is embroiled in a significant political scandal, and a new villain is emerging due to their connection to his blood. Is Banner the Hulk or the forgotten character Poochie from “The Simpsons”?

4. Where Are the Eternals?

In “Brave New World”, the central plot device, or MacGuffin, is the remnants of a Celestial that surfaced from Earth’s core at the end of “Eternals” in 2021. (Does anyone remember when that happened? Marvel didn’t for four years!) The hardened adamantium remains of this Celestial are desired by every nation on Earth, causing the conflict that forms the basis of the film.

However, it seems many viewers like myself found ourselves puzzled during the movie: “Wait a minute, where are the Eternals?” Not only do they fail to make an appearance in “Brave New World”, they’re never even mentioned by name. One might infer this is because “Eternals” was not a successful film, so why tie this movie more closely to one that few saw (and fewer liked)? But on the other hand, if this was the reason for their absence from the plot device, then why make it the MacGuffin of the movie in the first place?

5. Why Does Captain America Change Costumes?

In “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Sam Wilson officially assumes the role of Captain America for the first time, sporting a costume reminiscent of the one Sam Wilson wore in Marvel Comics when he temporarily took over as Captain America from Steve Rogers during the 2010s. At the start of “Brave New World,” he is seen wearing this same costume, but later in the movie, approximately one-third through, he switches to an entirely new outfit that incorporates some elements from Steve Rogers’ suit in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” The only explanation given for this abrupt change of attire is a claw mark on his original suit, sustained during an attack at the film’s beginning.

It makes sense that he would switch to a backup uniform following damage, but not to debut a completely new costume. It seems that the primary purpose of this change was to boost toy and merchandise sales for Marvel, as the new Captain America. While I understand this is part of these films’ commercial nature, it would be more satisfying if they could find a way to better integrate this within the film’s narrative.

6. Why Do Cap and Falcon Bring Their Costumes on the Road, Then Break Into Camp Echo One In Their Civilian Clothes?

Regarding that new costume: For the first time, we notice it when Sam and Joaquin exit what could be described as Sam’s Captain America base (I’m struggling to find another term). Sam ensures they gather their equipment before leaving, instructing Joaquin to do the same. They head towards Camp Echo Base in search of clues, but despite carrying their costumes and weapons, they enter the camp disguised as civilians. At least Sam brings his shield with him.

However, this decision turns out to be a blunder since they encounter the Leader, who brainwashes some guards and a fierce battle ensues. One might wonder why they would bring their gear into potential danger yet choose not to use it. The only explanation I can think of is that if they had been better prepared, they would have overpowered the guards and the ensuing fight scene would have been less intense.

7. Why Does Ruth Fight A Bunch of Soldiers at Camp Echo One?

In the movie, the character Ruth Bat-Seraph, who is Sabra in Marvel Comics and serves as President Ross’s security advisor in “Brave New World,” is one of the more peculiar characters. The film’s most perplexing and unexplained action sequence involves Sam and Joaquin Torres pursuing The Leader (without their superhero outfits, which would have been too convenient), and Ruth interrupts with a troop of soldiers.

It appears that she intended to apprehend Sam, but instead, she switches sides and fights all the soldiers in a hallway brawl that resembles some of the well-known action sequences from Netflix’s “Daredevil” series. I couldn’t help but wonder about several things: Were those soldiers with her? Were they prison guards? Were they always working for The Leader? Had he mind-controlled them? I found myself quite puzzled by all of it.

8. A 100-Year-Old Former Soviet Assassin Is Running For Congress?

In the series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” on Disney+, Sam Wilson was last seen. Given this, it’s logical that Sebastian Stan’s character Bucky Barnes (also known as the Winter Soldier) appears for a surprising cameo in “Brave New World”. However, his scene is peculiar. After attempting to boost Sam’s spirits with a speech about how his Captain America serves as an inspiration, Sam retorts that Bucky’s speechwriters must have composed that line for him.

However, it seems that Bucky, who you may remember as one of the most infamous Soviet assassins in history and the man who killed Tony Stark’s parents, is now running for Congress. One might wonder how this sudden political ambition arose, especially since the story takes place less than 100 days after a new President has been inaugurated. Did I miss an entire “Bucky” TV series? What on earth is going on here???

9. How Did News of the Leader’s Arrest Travel So Fast?

In the thrilling finale of the film, the film’s main antagonist, the Leader, is arrested by the authorities at the exact moment when journalists challenge President Ross at the White House. The swift editing gives the impression that these events are occurring concurrently. However, within just ten seconds of the police handcuffing the Leader, a journalist at the White House is already waving their smartphone in front of the President to display an article about the Leader’s surrender – a speed that even advanced AI technology would find challenging to achieve in real-time news publication.

10. Thunderbolt Ross Is Constantly Angry. He Really Never Hulked Out Once Before?

Thaddeus Ross, also known as “Thunderbolt,” wasn’t given his nickname due to a love for weather phenomena. Instead, he’s an angry individual, and this anger culminates in the intense showdown with journalists at the White House, where he transforms into the Red Hulk following Leader-supplied gamma pills. A side note: Be wary when a power-hungry scientist with a broccoli-like head promises to cure your life-threatening illness using unidentified medications. The Hulk rampages through Washington D.C., but is eventually subdued by Captain America.

However, considering Ross’s fiery temperament, it seems unusual that he never lost control while on the gamma pills over the years. After all, his daughter hasn’t spoken to him for a long time, and the Avengers repeatedly defied him in “Captain America: Civil War.” One would expect such events to spark enough anger in him to transform into the Red Hulk, which appears highly improbable.

11. Why Is the Hulk’s Hair Black?

In Marvel Comics, one peculiar trait of the Red Hulk is that when Ross transforms, his mustache disappears. This was sidestepped in ‘Brave New World’ by casting Ford as a clean-shaven Ross, even jokingly mentioning he trimmed his beard for the election. However, this transformation raises another curious question.

In the movie, Ford’s hair is noticeably light gray. But when he morphs into the Hulk, it instantly turns jet black, except for a hint of silver at the temples. His chest hair also changes color! Could transforming into the Hulk be like using a dye on your hair? Is there gamma radiation in Just For Men?

The Best Marvel Movies Not Made By Marvel Studios

15. Deadpool 2 (2018)

In the sequel to “Deadpool,” Ryan Reynolds’ character Wade Wilson experienced an unexpectedly moving storyline, which was enhanced by the skillful casting of Josh Brolin as Cable, creating an excellent contrast between the chatty Deadpool and the strong, silent-type character. The introduction of X-Force is one of the most hilarious ongoing jokes in this collection, so it’s advisable to watch the original R-rated version instead of the PG-13 cut, which offers a different brand of humor.

14. Captain America (1944)

For approximately four decades, only Captain America among Marvel Comics heroes received big-screen adaptations, debuting in a 1944 serial. Interestingly, this initial portrayal of Captain America wasn’t Steve Rogers but rather Grant Gardner, a dedicated district attorney. No reference is made to his iconic origin story involving the Super-Soldier Serum, and he doesn’t use a shield or any other indestructible object for combat. Instead, Cap confronts “The Scarab,” a typical 1940s villain searching for various high-tech plot devices known as MacGuffins. The first of these is a “thermodynamic vibration engine” capable of causing skyscrapers to collapse – or as the characters frequently refer to it, a vibrator. Yes, you read that correctly. (For more information, click here.)

13. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

The final Spider-Man film directed by Sam Raimi has often been unfairly criticized, even by Raimi himself who described it as not working very well. While it’s true that some parts don’t quite hit the mark, there are many strong points, such as several of the action sequences from the Maguire trilogy, like the gripping mid-air rescue of Gwen Stacy from a construction accident. The major point of contention for many viewers is the portrayal of Venom, and particularly how Raimi uses the black suit as an extended joke, such as in the famous scene where a “villainous” Peter under the influence of his alien costume dances through the streets of New York. Admittedly, these scenes were far removed from the dark and gritty tone prevalent in many superhero movies during that period. However, when you consider Spider-Man 3 as Raimi’s deliberate satire of the concept of a “dark” comic book movie, the overall experience becomes much more coherent.

12. X-Men (2000)

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I must admit that the line about Toads and lightning was quite off-putting. The black leather costumes make the movie feel rather outdated. Hugh Jackman, who later transformed into an absolute beast in the sequels, seems downright puny as Wolverine in this film. Yet, there’s a reason why the first X-Men movie ignited the superhero film boom of the 2000s. It captured the essence of these characters and brought them to life with a keen eye for editing, trimming away unnecessary details and distilling them down to their core elements that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Notably, Hugh Jackman, who went on to become an international sensation as Wolverine, was actually the second choice for the role. He only landed it after the original Logan, Dougray Scott, had to back out due to delays in filming Mission: Impossible II.

11. The Punisher (1989)

In an underground hideout reminiscent of a Ninja Turtle’s lair, Frank Castle engages in combat with underwater ninjas, much like his turtle counterparts. He speaks in a gravelly manner similar to Dolph Lundgren, and takes on the Yakuza in an antique amusement park, where numerous adversaries slide down a giant water slide while firing weapons simultaneously. A memorable scene involves Frank detonating a mobster’s house, prompting a journalist to exclaim “Good heavens, it’s the Punisher!” My point is, this movie offers a unique interpretation of the Punisher character, and I must admit, it’s incredibly engaging.

10. Big Hero 6 (2014)

In the heart of thrilling sci-fi sequences, the movie Big Hero 6 skillfully combines Disney and Marvel elements. While the Disney elements resonate more strongly, the narrative becomes somewhat complex due to a villain’s theft of a teenage tech prodigy’s “microbots” technology. Consequently, this intricate plot overshadows the deeply emotional aspects revolving around grief and loss. However, science has shown that soft-hearted robots are the most endearing, and Baymax (Scott Adsit) undeniably takes the cake as the softest robot of them all.

9. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

In this movie, we see an impressive blend of modern and not-so-old X-Men characters, with Hugh Jackman delivering another strong performance as the main lead. The film offers exciting new X-Men, such as Blink whose powers are cleverly employed, and Quicksilver (Evan Peters) steals the show by using his super speed to rescue Wolverine, Magneto, and Professor X from a gunfight in the Pentagon. However, the movie has one major flaw: it rewrites much of what happened in the previous film, “First Class”. Characters who were crucial are said to have died off-screen, the school that was just starting is already defunct, and even Professor X’s paralysis is mysteriously healed for a while.

8. Blade (1998)

As a long-time admirer, I can say that I recognized the captivating storytelling potential of Marvel even before many in Hollywood did. Just like Wesley Snipes expressed in his amusing interview, playing a comic-book character offers the ultimate versatility: “It’s the best of all worlds because anything goes,” he said while embodying Blade. You can craft a unique voice, appearance, sound, and movement for each character, creating an entirely new experience. Wesley Snipes’ _Blade_ essentially served as the first issue in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, laying the groundwork for an intricately connected universe of humans and monsters.

7. X2 (2003)

In a more engaging and simplified manner,

“Perhaps, X2 stands out as the most influential superhero film of this century. The first X-Men and Spider-Man movies showed that films could capture the essence of comics. However, X2 raised the bar by demonstrating that movies could surpass comic books, particularly through action sequences such as Nightcrawler’s White House assault, which made his teleporting look more stylish in motion than it ever did as a series of static panels. The dam bursting in the movie’s final scene is like the breaking of floodgates, marking the start of the Hollywood Superhero Boom. Everything changed after X2.”

6. Logan (2017)

On the third attempt, Jackman’s solo Wolverine films truly shone. The movie Logan brought the title character to life in all his gruesome, tragic splendor. With its first R-rating, it offered a much darker and intense journey, fitting for the story of a hero nearing the end of his days. It also addressed the issue of overcrowding that many main X-Men movies have struggled with by focusing on only a handful of key characters. Among these were an exceptional Patrick Stewart, portraying an aging Professor X who is losing his grip on his mental faculties and thus control of one of the most powerful weapons in existence.

5. Blade II (2002)

In “Blade II,” Wesley Snipes’ athletic portrayal of the sleek vampire slayer Blade was brilliantly combined with director Guillermo del Toro’s distinctive style of gothic, grisly horror, resulting in a sequel that was both thrilling and terrifying. Del Toro introduced a new breed of powerful vampires, ominously spawned from a pandemic, which possess gruesome elongated jaws and feed on both humans and vampires. Only Blade, with his unyielding martial arts skills, can stand against them (as we all know, vampires have only four weaknesses: silver, garlic, sunlight, and spin kicks).

4. Spider-Man (2002)

With several Spider-Man films releasing almost annually, it’s effortless to overlook the unique charm of Sam Raimi’s initial Spider-Man film. Despite the movie appearing somewhat outdated today, it was revolutionary for 2002, being far ahead of its time. It nailed every aspect: The costume design, the action sequences, the special effects, the poignant death of Uncle Ben, and the intricate relationships between Peter Parker, Norman Osborn, and Harry Osborn. This movie transformed mainstream audiences’ perception of superhero films and paved the way for Hollywood’s current landscape of shared cinematic universes. Moreover, many subsequent superhero movies have imitated its iconic final shot, showcasing Spider-Man on a long, continuous swing through New York City.

3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

In the expansive continuation of “Into the Spider-Verse,” this daring sequel introduces Miles Morales to Spider-Man 2099 and his “Spider Society,” a group dedicated to shielding the multiverse from threats such as the Spot, a menacing new villain capable of creating portals between dimensions. Although “Into the Spider-Verse” was visually stunning, “Across the Spider-Verse” appears even more impressive and audacious. (The dimension of Spider-Gwen resembles a vibrant watercolor painting come to life; Spider-Man India originates from “Mumbattan,” a swirling blend of yellows and greens.) The only potential drawback of “Across the Spider-Verse”? It is the first half of a two-part narrative, and at times it does feel like part one.

2. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

In Spider-Man 2, director Sam Raimi chose to focus on a captivating narrative about Peter Parker’s complex relationship with a brilliant but ambitious scientist, played exceptionally well by Alfred Molina. This character, driven by ambition and wielding sinister robotic arms, forms the backbone of the movie. Even today, 15 years later, Spider-Man 2 continues to impress visually (the train sequence remains a Marvel standout), and the way it relentlessly adds one hardship after another onto Peter Parker’s shoulders makes the ultimately joyful (yet also bittersweet) ending all the more rewarding.

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

The film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” stands out as not only the finest Spider-Man movie, but also the top Marvel-based film overall. Boasting a large ensemble of web-swinging superheroes such as Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy, and Peter B. Parker, it offers a powerful portrayal of the values instilled by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Their notion that anyone can be a hero is vividly brought to life in this beautifully animated masterpiece, making it the definitive Spider-Man tale.

2025-02-14 05:55