Shira Haas’s Character Loses Israeli Background in Marvel’s 'Captain America' Rewrite

Marvel Studios has released the first official synopsis for "Captain America: Brave New World," providing more details about the character played by Israeli actress Shira Haas. Initially announced in 2022, Haas was set to play an Israeli superhero named Sabra, whose real name is Ruth Bat-Seraph. However, recent changes to the character’s backstory have sparked controversy among fans.

In the original comics, Sabra is an Israeli mutant and Mossad agent, introduced in "The Incredible Hulk" in 1980. She dons a blue and white outfit with a Star of David and possesses superhuman abilities, including strength, speed, regenerative healing, and the power to transfer her life energy to others.

According to the new synopsis, Haas's character will no longer have any connection to Israel. Her name "Sabra" has been dropped, and she is now portrayed as a former Russian "Black Widow" agent, akin to characters played by Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh in other Marvel films. Furthermore, it appears that her superpowers may have been removed. The updated character description reads:

“New to the cast is Shira Haas, who joins as Ruth Bat-Seraph. A former Black Widow, Ruth is now a high-ranking US government official who has the trust of President Ross.”

This significant shift in character background has elicited strong reactions. Since Haas’s casting was announced in 2022, there have been calls to boycott the film, stemming from both pro-Israel supporters upset by the character’s altered allegiance and anti-Israel activists opposing her initial Israeli roots.

Pro-Israel fans have expressed their disappointment on social media, with one commenting, “BRING SABRA BACK!!” Another added, “Sabra is a specific character, it’s not yours to change. Not 44 years after they created her. Let her be her.”

Conversely, anti-Israel sentiments have also surfaced. A social media user criticized the inclusion of an Israeli character, writing, “Why would anyone watch this trash when you’ve added an IDF soldier character! Talk about propaganda machine!” Another questioned, “Why is there an Israeli soldier in this movie??? They are literally posting their war crimes on social media??” A third user declared, “I can’t wait to avoid this with its zio ‘hero.’”

Marvel has responded to the backlash, emphasizing their approach to reimagining characters 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.”

The film, directed by Julius Onah, also stars Anthony Mackie as Captain America and Harrison Ford, making his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as newly elected US President Thaddeus Ross. "Captain America: Brave New World" is set to premiere in theaters on February 14, 2025.

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