Captain America: Brave New World has undergone some of the most extensive reshoots in MCU history, significantly altering its narrative, character arcs, and overall structure. While reshoots are common in Hollywood—especially within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)—the scale of these changes suggests major adjustments were made based on test screenings and creative direction shifts.
Originally slated for a mid-2024 release, the film was delayed to 2025 to accommodate these additional scenes, which aimed to enhance action sequences, introduce new characters, and reshape key plot points. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest changes made during the reshoots and how they impact the film.
11. Sidewinder and the Serpent Society Steal Japan’s Adamantium
Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder Was Added in Reshoots
One of the most significant additions was Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder, who was entirely incorporated during the reshoots.
- The new opening sequence features Captain America confronting the Serpent Society in Mexico to recover stolen adamantium taken from Japan.
- This scene introduces Sidewinder as a major antagonist, reinforcing the film’s central conflict over adamantium.
By adding Sidewinder and the Serpent Society, the reshoots helped expand the film’s villain roster and raise the stakes for Sam Wilson’s Captain America.
10. The Assassination Attempt on President Ross
Isaiah Bradley Is Brainwashed into Attacking the President
Another major reworked scene involves an assassination attempt on President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford).
- During a White House address about the discovery of adamantium, Ross is attacked by brainwashed individuals, including Isaiah Bradley.
- This event escalates political tensions and further integrates the adamantium storyline into the film’s larger narrative.
The assassination attempt also ties into the newly added Mexico sequence, suggesting that these two reshot scenes were designed to enhance narrative cohesion.
9. Sidewinder’s Attack on Captain America
A New Action-Packed Showdown
The reshoots introduced a high-intensity battle between Captain America and Sidewinder, which wasn’t part of the original cut.
- Sam Wilson and Joaquin Torres (the new Falcon) discuss strategy, but before they can act, Sidewinder ambushes them.
- Sam’s vehicle is destroyed in a massive explosion, leading to a brutal fight between Cap and Sidewinder.
This scene was likely added to give the film more action and build up Sidewinder as a true threat.
8. Captain America’s Tense Meeting with President Ross
A Reworked Dialogue Scene
After the assassination attempt, Captain America confronts President Ross in his bunker.
- Ross delivers a key line: “You’re not Steve Rogers.”
- This moment differs from the trailer’s original dialogue, suggesting that the scene was reshot to fit the updated narrative.
This change indicates Marvel wanted to refine the film’s political themes while further developing the strained dynamic between Sam and Ross.
7. President Ross’ Diplomatic Mission to Japan
Strengthening the Adamantium Conflict
Ross travels to Japan in a newly added scene to renegotiate an adamantium-sharing agreement.
- He meets with the Japanese Prime Minister in a traditional garden setting.
- The adamantium theft (from the Mexico sequence) is referenced, tying the international stakes together.
This addition ensures the global impact of adamantium is clearly established, making it a crucial part of the MCU’s future conflicts.
6. Captain America’s Return to His Headquarters
A Late Addition to Clarify the Plot
A quieter exposition-heavy scene shows Sam Wilson returning to his base, where Joaquin Torres is analyzing intel.
- Given the extensive reshoots, this scene was likely added to help audiences keep track of the evolving story.
- It also allows Torres to play a bigger role, reinforcing his dynamic with Sam.
Test screenings may have indicated confusion, prompting Marvel to add this brief recap scene to improve storytelling clarity.
5. The Leader’s Reworked Introduction
Samuel Sterns’ Redesign Led to Reshoots
Tim Blake Nelson’s return as The Leader was long-awaited, but reports suggest that his character design changed significantly during production.
- Early concept art showed a larger, exaggerated head, but final versions toned this down.
- Since most of Nelson’s scenes were reshot, his initial reveal was likely altered to match his new appearance.
This ensures his villainous arc remains cohesive while keeping him in play for future MCU projects.
4. Captain America’s Interrogation of Sidewinder
Setting Up a Future Villain Return
After his defeat, Sidewinder is captured, leading to a tense interrogation scene with Captain America.
- Sam questions him about The Leader and his knowledge of the adamantium crisis.
- The scene hints at Sidewinder’s possible escape, setting up a future MCU appearance.
Since Esposito’s casting was a late addition, this scene was likely crafted during reshoots to ensure Sidewinder’s role continues beyond this film.
3. Captain America vs. Red Hulk
A Major Climax Was Completely Changed
Leaked set photos originally depicted a funeral scene, implying that Thaddeus Ross was supposed to die. However, in the final cut, Ross survives and transforms into Red Hulk.
- This suggests that Marvel reworked the ending, likely to avoid wasting a major villain too soon.
- Instead of being killed, Red Hulk lives on for future MCU stories, potentially in Thunderbolts or World War Hulk.
These changes ensure Ross remains a key player in the MCU’s evolving landscape.
2. Captain America’s Final Visit to Ross at The Raft
Another Scene That Didn’t Exist in the Original Script
If Ross was originally meant to die, then his imprisonment at The Raft couldn’t have been part of the first version.
- This scene allows Sam Wilson to confront Ross one last time.
- It also sets up future conflicts, keeping Ross in the MCU’s villain lineup.
Given Marvel’s history of keeping villains alive for future storylines, this was a strategic reshoot to maintain Thaddeus Ross’ presence.
1. The Leader’s Post-Credits Scene
A Last-Minute Addition to Tease Future MCU Events
The post-credits scene features Samuel Sterns (The Leader) issuing a cryptic warning about intergalactic threats.
- This moment likely hints at Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel’s upcoming multiversal conflict.
- Since The Leader’s design changed, the scene had to be reworked to match his final appearance.
This flexible ending ensures Marvel can adjust plans based on audience reception, keeping The Leader relevant for future stories.
