Captain America 4’s Shocking Funeral Scene: Who Was Meant to Die?

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Warning: SPOILERS for Captain America: Brave New World are ahead!

If you’ve kept up with the updates about the movie “Captain America: Brave New World” when it was slated to be released by Marvel, you probably remember that the film underwent substantial reshoots. Although not as drastic as what occurred with “Justice League” in 2017, the 35th Marvel movie did experience some significant changes. These alterations were particularly evident in the introduction of Giancarlo Esposito’s character Sidewinder, who joined the Serpent Society during the overhaul (and I personally feel this wasn’t an improvement for the storyline).

After watching Brave New World, I soon discovered something: the funeral scene was excluded from the film. Given my profession of writing movie news and my enthusiasm for the MCU, I frequently rewatch trailers for their projects, including the second Brave New World trailer. This prompted me to recall that this sneak peek featured a few shots of a funeral which didn’t make it into the finished movie. I’m almost certain about who the intended recipient was in Brave New World, and not only that, there are rumors online about what would have led to this scene.

Why I Think Thunderbolt Ross Was Originally Supposed To Die

Prior to delving into specifics, let me share my initial impression upon leaving the theater: In the original plan for “Captain America: Brave New World”, Harrison Ford’s character Thaddeus “Thunderbolts” Ross was intended to perish. To be honest, the hints given in the trailer suggest it’s highly improbable that anyone else is involved. If the movie had been released as originally intended, we would have said goodbye to Ross, a role previously played by the late William Hurt.

As a cinema enthusiast, I must say that the turnout at the funeral was quite impressive, as one would anticipate for a U.S. president’s farewell. What truly grabbed my attention, however, was the 21-gun salute – a privilege traditionally bestowed upon those who have held that prestigious position. It’s worth noting that Ross, prior to his political career, was a general in the U.S. Army. Although he primarily displayed military prowess on screen in Marvel Cinematic Universe’s The Incredible Hulk, his service to the nation was undoubtedly significant.

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Title Sequence: A Personal Take on “Captain America: Brave New World”

In the realm of blockbuster cinema, I’ve found a new obsession that’s as American as apple pie and as heroic as our very own Captain America – the popcorn bucket from “Captain America: Bravely Stepping into a New Era”. And it seems like the charismatic Anthony Mackie is equally smitten with this latest cinematic accessory.

This isn’t just any ordinary popcorn bucket, mind you. It’s a testament to the intricate blend of nostalgia and innovation that “Captain America: Brave New World” so masterfully embodies. The design pays homage to the iconic shield of our beloved Captain, while incorporating sleek, modern elements that hint at the film’s forward-thinking narrative.

As I sat down in my theater seat, cradling this marvelous bucket between my hands, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection with the movie’s protagonist. Just like Captain America, embracing change and adapting to new circumstances, I too was stepping into a brave new world – albeit one filled with buttery popcorn instead of cosmic battles and Hydra conspiracies.

And if Anthony Mackie’s infectious enthusiasm for the bucket in the film’s promotional materials is anything to go by, it seems I’m not alone in my admiration for this cinematic treasure. So, grab your tickets, your 3D glasses, and most importantly, your Captain America: Brave New World popcorn buckets, and let’s embark on this thrilling journey together!

If you’re still unconvinced, let me share two thoughts that crossed my mind after watching “Captain America: Brave New World”. Initially, it was disclosed that Ross, in a desperate state due to heart failure, is kept alive by pills invented by the brilliant Samuel Sterns. Since the occurrences of The Incredible Hulk, Ross has been holding Sterns captive, and despite his promise to free Sterns if he used his intellect to secure the presidency, he reneged on that promise due to fear that the gamma-enhanced scientist might cease producing the pills. It’s plausible to assume that Ross’ heart may have failed following his confrontation with Sam as Red Hulk, once his rampage had ended.

The most poignant proof I present is the appearance of cherry blossoms at this funeral. In the movie, Ross had mentioned that he and his daughter Betty used to admire the cherry blossoms together when she was young, and just before transforming into Red Hulk, he proposed they return for reconciliation. This emotional gesture is beautifully echoed by the cherry blossoms at the funeral, wouldn’t you agree?

To wrap up the topic of Betty, aside from using her voice in the previously mentioned phone call, Liv Tyler also made a brief appearance on screen towards the end of the film, visiting her father at The Raft. It’s plausible to infer that initially, it was intended for Tyler’s character Betty to make an appearance during Ross’ funeral. Since they may not have reconciled during his lifetime, it would have been a fitting goodbye if she had attended and bid farewell to him there.

There Are Alleged Details About This Captain America: Brave New World Scrapped Funeral

After watching Captain America: Brave New World yesterday, here’s my take, straight from my perspective as a movie enthusiast:

My initial thoughts, formed within the 24-hour window following the film, appear to have been spot on, or at least close. Upon further research and reflection, I believe my analysis holds water, with only a few minor adjustments needed here and there.

Based on information from Reddit user @CanWeGetSomeToast, an early version of Brave New World had adamantium designed to absorb gamma radiation. If this were true, Sam Wilson would have utilized this metal mined from the petrified Celestial Tiamut during his fight against Red Hulk to remove the radiation from the red giant monster. However, it appears that this action might have resulted in the demise of Harrison Ford’s character. Furthermore, leaked set photos suggest that Liv Tyler attended the funeral scene with Anthony Mackie and Xosha Roquemore, who portrayed Secret Service agent Leila Taylor.

Additionally, it’s been suggested by an anonymous observer who watched an early version of Brave New World prior to reshoots that the original post-credit scene depicted Betty Ross discovering charred footprints in her garden and then glimpsing Red Hulk’s radiant eyes watching her from a distance before he vanished. This implies that Ross might have survived her fight against Captain America, and the funeral could have been a deception intended for public consumption. It seems possible that Red Hulk has since been trapped in his Red Hulk form.

Instead of what was previously described, it turns out that Sam Wilson managed to soothe the enraged Thunderbolt Ross, who had transformed into the Hulk, by reminding him of their cherished memories under the cherry blossoms with Betty. This recollection, coupled with fatigue from the battle, caused Ross to revert back to his normal self. Earlier, it was stated that he was incarcerated in The Raft following his resignation from office, primarily for safety reasons as he retained the potential to transform into the Red Hulk.

I’m not sure right now if I would have chosen the initial plan for Thunderbolt Ross over what was eventually shown, but I’d love to see the funeral scene among the deleted scenes on the home release of “Captain America: Brave New World” and stream it with a Disney+ subscription. If it does get included, we’ll make sure to inform you about it.

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2025-02-23 17:09