The Los Angeles premiere of Captain America: Brave New World was overshadowed by controversy as pro-Palestine protestors gathered outside the venue on Tuesday, calling for a boycott of the film. The backlash centres on the inclusion of the Israeli superhero Ruth Bat-Seraph, also known as Sabra, portrayed by Shira Haas.
Protestors held signs reading, “Sabra has got to go,” “Disney supports genocide,” and “Boycott Captain America,” while chanting slogans such as “Free, free, free Palestine” and “Disney, Disney, you can’t hide.” The demonstration highlighted concerns over the character’s portrayal and its perceived implications in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
Sabra, a character introduced in Marvel comics over 40 years ago, has long been a source of controversy due to her origins as a Mossad agent. When her casting was announced in 2022, it sparked immediate criticism, particularly from Palestinian fans. In response, Marvel released a statement clarifying 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. “The filmmakers are taking a new approach with the character Sabra, who was first introduced in the comics over 40 years ago.”
Producer Nate Moore further elaborated on the changes, explaining that Sabra’s role in the film differs significantly from her comic book origins. “She is not Mossad in this film,” Moore said. “Instead, she works within the U.S. government under President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford.” He added that while her background as a first-generation Israeli will be part of the story, it will be portrayed in a way that reflects a contemporary perspective.
Despite these assurances, the protests underscore the sensitivity surrounding the character and the broader geopolitical issues tied to her representation. The demonstration also reflects growing scrutiny of Hollywood’s role in addressing—or sidestepping—complex political and social issues.
As Captain America: Brave New World prepares for its global release, the controversy surrounding Sabra’s inclusion is likely to remain a topic of debate, raising questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers in navigating contentious narratives.