Captain America: Brave New World is finally in theaters, setting up Sam Wilson's epic tenure as the Star-Spangled Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Phase 5 film closes several lingering plot threads in the MCU while opening the door to several exciting storytelling opportunities that could carry the franchise forward beyond the Multiverse Saga. The film is off to a steady start at the box office, overcoming negative reviews to hopefully become one of the MCU's top earners post-Endgame. However, the film has also sparked some debate due to its many behind-the-scenes changes.
Brave New World's reshoots and behind-the-scenes issues are no secret to the average moviegoer, with many different reports detailing the many changes that took place before the film finally made it to theaters. Although the film is doing surprisingly well with audiences given its negative critical reviews, Brave New World's stitches can clearly be seen in the finished product. Sam Wilson's starring vehicle may have stuck the landing, but it is clear from the film itself that a lot changed between production and post-production. While audiences may never learn precisely what the original Brave New World might have looked like, some changes can be identified based on certain characters who were originally supposed to appear in the film but never showed up. There have been three characters confirmed to have been cut from Captain America: Brave New World. Who are they and what might their absence mean for their future in the MCU?
Elijah Bradley Was Originally Going to Return in Captain America: Brave New World
Eli Bradley Is Expected to Join the Young Avengers as Patriot
Nate Moore, a former Marvel Studios executive producer who worked on the latest MCU film, recently revealed that Elijah Bradley was originally set to appear in Captain America: Brave New World. Eli Bradley is the grandson of super soldier Isaiah Bradley, who plays a major role during the events of Brave New World. Most likely, Eli would have played a minor role in the film, perhaps appearing in his grandfather's gym during the early training sequences with Sam Wilson and Joaquin Torres. Unlike other characters cut from Brave New World, Eli Bradley's scenes were apparently never shot. Moore revealed that Eli originally appeared in early drafts of the script but was eventually cut when it became clear that the film simply had too many characters to keep track of. Instead of shoehorning Eli into the events of Captain America 4, producers decided that it would be better to flesh out Isaiah Bradley in greater depth. This decision seems to have paid off, as Isaiah has become a fan-favorite character after his latest appearance.
Despite his absence from Captain America: Brave New World, Eli Bradley still has a future in the MCU as a member of the Young Avengers. The character first appeared alongside his grandfather in the Disney+ limited series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, where he was portrayed by Elijah Richardson. Although he had a small role in the show, Eli was immediately pinpointed by MCU fans as a potential candidate to join the heavily rumored Young Avengers lineup. Although a Young Avengers project has yet to be officially confirmed by Marvel Studios, it was teased at the end of The Marvels, suggesting that audiences may get more news in upcoming months. In the comics, Eli Bradley becomes the superhero known as Patriot, following in his grandfather's footsteps as a defender of the helpless. Patriot is an integral member of the Young Avengers in most lineups of the team, making him a no-brainer when the MCU finally puts together its own version of the superhero squad.
Seth Rollins Was Going to Play an Unconfirmed Character in Brave New World
Rollins Likely Would Have Portrayed a Member of the Serpent Society
Shortly before the film's release, it was announced that WWE star Seth Rollins had been cut from Captain America: Brave New World. Rollins had been part of the original cast of the film, in which he was expected to play a villainous character who would go toe-to-toe with Anthony Mackie's Captain America. In a podcast appearance only a few weeks ago, Rollins confirmed that his character was completely erased from Brave New World's final cut during the film's extensive reshooting process. The wrestler never confirmed precisely which character he was supposed to play in the MCU, it is most likely that he would have been a part of the Serpent Society, perhaps the supervillain known as King Cobra.
Rollins was most likely replaced by Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder, who is depicted as the leader of the Serpent Society in Brave New World. Esposito's character was added late in Captain America 4's production, which seems to be about the time that Rollins's character was cut from the film. The MCU seems to be setting up the Serpent Society for a bigger role moving forward, with Sidewinder all but confirmed to return after his incarceration in Brave New World. This could open the door for Rollins to finally make his debut as King Cobra, though chances still seem slim that he will ever return. The WWE star's comments about now appearing in the MCU seemed rather definitive, though nothing is ever impossible when it comes to the world of superheroes.
Rosa Salazar's Diamondback Was Cut From Captain America 4
Diamondback Would Have Been Part of Sidewinder's Serpent Society
Rosa Salazar was originally announced to appear in Captain America: Brave New World, playing Diamondback, a member of the Serpent Society. Unlike Rollins, Salazar never announced that she would not appear in Brave New World, but was conspicuously absent from the film's final cut. Diamondback's role in the original script for the Captain America sequel has yet to be revealed, but she likely would have been a minor antagonist in Sam Wilson's story, acting as a pawn for the Leader, as he manipulated the Serpent Society in service of his greater scheme to get revenge on President Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. She likely would have been in league with Seth Rollins's character, perhaps serving as his lieutenant in the Serpent Society.
There is still a chance for Salazar to reprise the role of Diamondback after Captain America: Brave New World. The Serpent Society is expected to return in upcoming MCU projects, though it remains unclear when and where the terrorist organization will return. Salazar's silence could be a good sign for her character, suggesting that she may still have a contract with Marvel Studios that prohibits her from commenting on future appearances in MCU movies or series. While fans of the actress may have been disappointed by her absence in Brave New World, they may yet get to see her bring the role of Diamondback to life on the big screen.
Captain America: Brave New World does the best it can with heavy rewrites, though several characters pay the price in the end. While it would have been great to see Elijah Bradley, King Cobra, and Diamondback in the latest Captain America film, there is always a chance for their characters to return to the ever-expanding world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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