Giancarlo Esposito, known for his sinister performances in shows such as “Breaking Bad” and “The Mandalorian,” has officially entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the foe Sidewinder in “Captain America: Brave New World.”
Release date: February 14, 2025 Marvel fans can expect a new entry in the MCU on this day, which all but promises to influence the next phase of the franchise, with new characters and storylines.
Esposito’s Role as Sidewinder
In “Captain America: Brave New World,” Esposito plays Seth Voelker, aka Sidewinder, the head of the Serpent Society, a team of snake-themed mercenaries. Once an economics professor, Voelker undergoes a metamorphosis with the newfound ability to teleport, a power he uses to lead the Serpent Society’s evil dealings. Esposito’s casting was confirmed at the 2024 Comic-Con panel, where he joined co-stars Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America) and Harrison Ford (President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross). Read on for the full panel report, plus the trailer that introduces Red Hulk.
Plot Overview
“Captain America: Brave New World” features the next chapter in the story of Sam Wilson, who is now playing the part of Captain America. The story dives into political thriller territory, with President Thaddeus Ross’s administration facing political scandals and international conflict heating up. At the heart of the story is the discovery of a rare and powerful metal called adamantium within a Celestial — a plot point that teases future developments in the MCU, including the potential expansion of the X-Men. 1. Sidewinder and his Serpent Society are hired to steal adamantium, with the goal of destabilizing international relations and testing the new Captain America’s resolve.
Character Development & Performances
Esposito’s career features a litany of three-dimensional villains, and the role of Sidewinder follows suit, with his take bringing a nuanced depth to the character. And his character’s strategic mind and teleportation powers pose significant threats to Sam Wilson’s Captain America. Anthony Mackie’s performance continues to develop, conveying the heft of that shield and what wearing it carries. Harrison Ford as President Ross gives the movie some gravitas, a leader whose decisions we follow for their ramifications. The film also stars Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns/the Leader, which continues to weave the MCU’s complex tapestry of characters and plot points.
Implications for the MCU
Similarly, the introduction of foes like Sidewinder and the Serpent Society, combined with the focus on adamantium, indicate a strategic expansion of the MCU’s narrative purview. This lays the groundwork for continued storylines with both mutant-kind and interdimensional conflicts. And in the film’s post-credits scene, we also got a hint of what awaits Captain America later in the Multiverse Saga, with Sam Wilson’s Captain America, who will be integral to “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” which are set for 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Audience Reception
“Captain America: Brave New World” received mixed reviews. Though some reviewers hail its character development and political intrigue, its plot leaves others feeling befuddled, seeming to require a deep background knowledge of earlier MCU entries for appreciation. Despite these critiques, Esposito’s performance in Sidewinder is widely recognized as a highlight of the film, injecting an exciting complexity to his character.
Future Appearances
Esposito’s Sidewinder isn’t likely to be a one-and-done villain. Given that the character survives and is even arrested in the film, we might see more of them in the future, whether it be in upcoming series or films in the MCU which further explores the influence of Serpent Society. Esposito himself suggested as much at a convention appearance, explaining, “It’s a part you’ll never see coming. It will be teased, and there is a series that follows.”
More : News