Captain America: Brave New World introduced an organization first teased by Marvel 11 years ago, but I’m still waiting for more after its underwhelming debut. Brave New World included a number of threads from other MCU films. It tied up many loose ends from 2008’s The Incredible Hulk with the inclusion of Samuel Sterns and Thunderbolt Ross. The plot largely deals with the fallout of Ross’ decisions since that film and forces Sam to clean up after his mess. Brave New World also addresses the mᴀssive Celestial poking out of the Earth, now referred to as Celestial Island.

The Celestial is utilized as adamantium’s introduction to the MCU, setting up many possibilities for the MCU’s X-Men. While adamantium will have significant implications for this universe, the film also quietly introduced a well-known crime organization from Marvel Comics. The Serpent Society appears in Brave New World, finally making its MCU debut after being teased by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige 11 years ago. However, I’m still waiting for Marvel to fully deliver on this tease after seeing its small role in Captain America 4.

Marvel Teased The Serpent Society Back In 2014

Kevin Feige Pranked Fans During Marvel’s Phase 3 Presentation

In 2014, Marvel announced its slate for Phase 3. The presentation started with Feige announcing Captain America 3, initially тιтled Serpent Society. Feige announced the rest of the slate before admitting remorse for the Serpent Society тιтle. The lights went down, and a тιтle screen emerged, revealing that Captain America 3 would be тιтled Civil War. The reveal was followed by Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans walking on stage and announcing Chadwick Boseman as the MCU’s Black Panther.

Civil War was the best decision for the MCU, but many were still curious about whom the Serpent Society was. In Marvel Comics, the Serpent Society is a criminal organization comprised of snake-themed supervillains. The group was formed by Sidewinder, a.k.a. Seth Voelker, and consisted of other members like Bushmaster, Cottonmouth, Diamondback, and Rattler. While the villains are powerful, it is mainly a work-for-hire organization, providing its services for HYDRA, the Maggia, Kingpin, and any other infamous villainous figures that pay them.

The Serpent Society’s MCU Introduction Was Underwhelming After The Sidewinder Announcement

The Serpent Society Has A Small Role In Captain America: Brave New World

Giancarlo Esposito’s MCU character was kept a secret by Marvel for a while, leading to speculation about whom the actor was playing in Captain America 4. Esposito is best known for his villainous roles, so most ᴀssumed he’d play a Marvel villain. During San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel announced that Esposito was playing Sidewinder, confirming that the Serpent Society would debut in Brave New World. However, those looking for the Serpent Society to change the landscape of the MCU may be disappointed.

Brave New World opens with Sam retrieving a stolen sample of adamantium before Sidewinder sells it. Sidewinder escapes and later ambushes Sam, attempting to kill him, but is defeated and imprisoned. It’s revealed later that Sidewinder was working for The Leader, who hired him to steal the adamantium and heighten tensions between the United States and Japan. Unfortunately, the Serpent Society is only mentioned briefly and Sidewinder is the only named member in the film. They are mainly just a cog in The Leader’s grand plan, and it’s disappointing how underutilized Sidewinder and the Serpent Society were.

Could The Serpent Society Return After Captain America: Brave New World?

Marvel Leaves The Door Open For Another Encounter With Sidewinder

Fortunately, Esposito’s Sidewinder may not be a one-and-done villain. He’s currently in prison, but there’s a chance he could be free soon. He negotiates a deal for a reduced sentence with Sam if he gives him information about The Leader. Sidewinder also teases that he’ll likely escape, and when he does, he’s prepared to kill Sam. The door is still open for Sidewinder to return in the MCU, but it’s unknown when he’ll return next. Captain America 5 isn’t confirmed yet, and Marvel will keep its focus on the Avengers for the next few years.

However, I’d like to see Sidewinder return for a few reasons. Esposito is a phenomenal actor, and it’d be a shame to waste his talents in such a small role. He’s showcased his knack for playing villains in many popular franchises, like Breaking Bad, The Boys, and Star Wars, and Marvel needs more menacing characters in its roster. I’d also like to see Marvel explore the Serpent Society after Captain America: Brave New World, revealing how large the organization is and its various snake-themed members. I wanted Marvel to do more with Sidewinder, and hopefully, that will happen.

Upcoming MCU Movies

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  Thunderbolts*

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  May 2, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

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  July 25, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
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  Spider-Man Homecoming 4

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  Avengers: Secret Wars

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  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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