Marvel Studios cast Shira Haas as Sabra/Ruth Bat-Seraph in ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ but the choice sparked criticism, especially after the first trailer dropped in July.
The company then announced that Sabra’s origin story would be changed. Instead of being a mutant Mossad agent with superhuman abilities like in the comics, she would be reimagined as a Black Widow.
The Wrap detailed on the change by noting that the character would keep her Israeli accent and appear as “an Israeli former Black Widow who now serves as a high-ranking U.S. government official in President Ross’ administration.”
Director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Media & Entertainment Institute, Deborah Camiel, praised Marvel for sticking to Sabra’s heritage in the upcoming film in a statement to the outlet.
She said, “Marvel Studios should be commended for not capitulating to the anti-Israel forces who wanted this character’s identity quashed, along with her backstory. We welcome the portrayal of a strong Jewish and Israeli woman on screen, and look forward to seeing how this character is developed in the film.”
But recent reports from Daniel Richtman suggested that Marvel decided to cut out all ties to the hero’s Israeli background and removed a scene revealing her as a Mutant to Sam Wilson.
Haas will now appear as a powerless former Black Widow in the upcoming MCU film opposite Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford.
‘Captain America: Brave New World’ will see release in the U.S. on February 14, 2025.
