Film & TV Entertainment

Disney Pulls Back Israel Connections in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’: Report

The recent transition of the Captain America mantle from Steve Rogers, portrayed by Chris Evans, to Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, has marked a significant evolution within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

This shift not only represents a change in leadership but also encapsulates a broader theme of diversity and representation in superhero narratives. Wilson, as the new Captain America, carries with him a rich background that deeply influences his identity and approach to heroism.

anthony mackie captain america 4 brave new world sheild
Credit: Marvel Studios

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Anthony Mackie’s portrayal of Sam Wilson reflects contemporary societal issues, including racial identity and the responsibilities that come with power. The film Captain America: Brave New World aims to further explore what leadership means through Wilson’s eyes, especially as he finds himself entangled in a complex international incident shortly after Harrison Ford’s President Thaddeus Ross takes office.

Is Disney Moving Away From Controversy in Marvel?

boyhcott disney captain america steve rogers chris evans avenger endgame gives sheild to sam wilson falcon anthony mackie
Credit: Marvel Studios

The film has already ignited considerable controversy, particularly surrounding its connections to Israel through the character of Sabra, played by Israeli actress Shira Haas.

Initially designed to draw on her Israeli heritage, Sabra’s character has faced substantial backlash due to perceived Zionist undertones, especially in light of current global tensions related to the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Reports now reveal that following audience backlash, Disney has made a strategic decision to recalibrate Sabra’s character. Insider Daniel Richtman/@DanielRPK indicates that she will no longer carry explicit Israeli associations, evolving instead into a “random powerless ex-Black Widow,” stripping her of her initial powers and backstory tied to Tel Aviv.

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 alteration likely aims to defuse tensions and respond to criticisms regarding potential pro-Zionist messaging within Captain America: Brave New World.

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Credit: Marvel Studios

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A call to boycott the film has arisen, focusing on accusations that the film perpetuates Zionist agendas. These movements have further ignited discussions about audience expectations surrounding representation and narrative integrity in superhero films.

The changes to Sabra have led to fervent debates about whether Disney’s actions are a prudent adjustment to societal feedback or a detrimental sacrifice of the original character. As Marvel prepares for the film’s release, the fallout from these decisions could very well influence audience reception when the film debuts in theaters on February 14, 2025.

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Gage Skidmore, Flickr

Captain America: Brave New World seeks to unravel a nefarious global plot while Wilson strives to uphold the ideals that the Cape of Captain America symbolizes. As an essential figure grounded in justice and virtue, Wilson’s challenge lies not only in combating external forces but also in reconciling his identity as an African American hero within a complex geopolitical landscape.

The storyline incorporates key characters such as Harrison Ford’s President Ross and the Red Hulk, played in a rich narrative that is likely setting up the MCU’s World War Hulk storyline. Alongside Wilson, the film boasts a cast that includes notable actors like Tim Blake Nelson, Liv Tyler, and Shira Haas, whose roles are pivotal in enriching the narrative dynamics as it connects to previous MCU events.

In summary, while Captain America: Brave New World promises a thrilling addition to the MCU, the thematic explorations of identity, representation, and geopolitical narratives will play a crucial role in shaping viewers’ perceptions of both the film and the franchise as a whole. As the film approaches its release date on February 14, 2025, anticipation grows alongside scrutiny of its creative choices.

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, which is potentially laying the groundwork for Marvel Comics’ World War Hulk storyline, Tim Blake Nelson reprises his role as Samuel Sterns, also known as the Leader. Sterns, a cellular biologist, gains superhuman intelligence after being exposed to Bruce Banner’s gamma-irradiated blood.

Harrison Ford takes on the role of Thaddeus Ross, now President of the United States—and likely transforming into the Red Hulk—following the passing of the late William Hurt. Liv Tyler also returns as Betty Ross from 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, portraying a cellular biologist and Bruce Banner’s former love interest.

Absent from the cast is Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, who has been a consistent presence in the Captain America films. His storyline will instead continue in the upcoming Thunderbolts movie. Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson steps into the spotlight, wearing a new Captain America suit, joined by Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon and U.S. Air Force lieutenant introduced in Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

The film’s ensemble cast also features Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, Shira Haas as Ruth/Sabra, and other actors like Xosha Roquemore, Seth Rollins, Rosa Salazar, and Giancarlo Esposito in undisclosed roles. Despite speculation, Esposito is not portraying the MCU’s new Professor X/Charles Xavier.

Averyl Fong

Averyl is a freelance writer and general nerd about entertainment, food, theatre, D&D - and of course, theme parks. Based in Singapore, she could wax poetic about the immersive genius of the Haunted Mansion, or regale you with her undying love for the campy beauty of Sindbad's Storybook Voyage - but she won't, because she has some compassion.

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