Marvel Studios has revealed new details about Shira Haas‘ Ruth Bat-Seraph, one of the key supporting characters in its forthcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, Captain America: Brave New World.
In the comics, Ruth Bat-Seraph is the alter ego of the Israeli mutant superhero Sabra and is an agent of the Israeli national intelligence agency Mossad. Since Haas’ casting in September 2022, Marvel has been under fire for the character’s inclusion in Brave New World. The controversy stems from the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Criticising Sabra’s involvement in the movie, some fans suggested that the character’s appearance in the fourth Captain America movie would appear to glorify Israel.
How has Sabra been changed for Captain America: Brave New World?
One week after Haas’ casting as Sabra, Marvel Studios released the following statement to Variety: “While our characters and stories are inspired by the comics, they are always freshly imagined for the screen and today’s audience, and the filmmakers are taking a new approach with the character Sabra who was first introduced in the comics over 40 years ago.”
Now, almost two years later, fans have finally learned how Sabra will be reimagined for the MCU. It was revealed at the bottom of Marvel.com‘s post about the Brave New World trailer that Haas’ Ruth Bat-Seraph will be a “former Black Widow” who is now “a high-ranking U.S. government official who has the trust of President Ross,” played by Harrison Ford (replacing the late William Hurt).
Julius Onah directs Captain America: Brave New World from a screenplay written by the team of Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and Matthew Orton. “After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red,” reads the official synopsis for the MCU movie.
Anthony Mackie leads Brave New World as Sam Wilson/Captain America, with Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, Xosha Roquemore, Giancarlo Esposito, Seth Rollins, and Rosa Salazar also starring.
Captain America: Brave New World is scheduled to hit theaters on February 14, 2025.