Marvel made a big change to Sabra in the upcoming ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’ Sabra is a Mossad agent in the comics, but she will be an Israeli former Black Widow in the film.
The controversy resurfaced last week when the first trailer for ‘Brave New World’ was released. It revealed that Sabra would be a high-ranking U.S. government official and led many to believe her Israeli identity was removed. Tensions are high due to growing antisemitism after the Oct. 7 attacks, and this caused some eyebrows to rise.
The Wrap reports that Sabra, whose real name is Ruth Bat-Seraph, will be portrayed by Israeli actress Shira Haas. Bat-Seraph will speak with an Israeli accent in the movie and will be a high-ranking U.S. government official in President Ross’ administration. The Black Widow program is part of Bat-Seraph’s background in this new version.
Marvel Issued a Statement
Marvel fans first heard about the changes to Sabra’s character when Shira Haas’ casting was announced in 2022. They started to think Marvel was erasing Sabra’s Jewish and Israeli identity, and Marvel released the following statement to clear the air:
“While our characters and stories are inspired by the comics, they are always freshly imagined for the screen and today’s audience, and the filmmakers are taking a new approach with the character Sabra who was first introduced in the comics over 40 years ago.”
They also stated that Sabra’s change from a Mossad agent to a former Black Widow was planned and not related to recent events.
American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League responded positively to Sabra retaining her Israeli identity. The American Jewish Committee said that taking away Sabra’s Jewish identity would be like making Captain America Canadian.
Deborah Camiel from the Anti-Defamation League praised Marvel for not giving in to those who wanted to change Sabra’s backstory.
