The Los Angeles premiere of Captain America: Brave New World became a focal point of controversy as pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered outside the event on Tuesday, calling for a boycott of the film. The protest was fueled by the inclusion of the Israeli superhero Ruth Bat-Seraph, known as Sabra, portrayed by actress Shira Haas.
Holding signs with messages such as “Sabra has got to go,” “Disney supports genocide,” and “Boycott Captain America,” protesters voiced their opposition to the character’s presence in the film. Chants of “Free, free, free Palestine” and “Disney, Disney you can’t hide” rang through the streets, underscoring concerns over Sabra’s depiction.
Sabra’s origins in Marvel comics have been a long-standing point of contention. Originally introduced in The Incredible Hulk comics in the early 1980s, she was depicted as a Mossad agent, a portrayal that drew criticism for its perceived political implications in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. When Marvel announced her live-action debut in 2022, backlash swiftly followed, leading the studio to release a statement reassuring fans that the character would be reimagined for modern audiences.
“While our characters and stories are inspired by the comics, they are always freshly imagined for the screen and today’s audience,” Marvel stated at the time. “The filmmakers are taking a new approach with the character Sabra, who was first introduced over 40 years ago.”
Despite Marvel’s assurances, concerns remain over how the character will be handled in Brave New World. Producer Nate Moore addressed the controversy earlier this year, emphasizing that Sabra’s role in the film has been altered significantly from her comic book counterpart. “She is not Mossad,” Moore clarified. “She works within the U.S. government under President Thaddeus Ross, and her perspective on Sam Wilson’s Captain America creates an interesting dynamic in the film.”
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However, critics argue that simply modifying the character’s background does not erase the deeper concerns about representation and the political undertones of her inclusion. The controversy surrounding Sabra’s appearance highlights the ongoing intersection of entertainment and geopolitics, with many questioning whether certain depictions in blockbuster films contribute to broader narratives in global conflicts.
As Hollywood continues to grapple with issues of representation and political sensitivity, the protest at Captain America: Brave New World’s premiere underscores the powerful role pop culture plays in shaping public discourse. Whether or not the boycott gains traction remains to be seen, but the debate over Sabra’s inclusion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
