Marvel Entertainment is under scrutiny in the Jewish press following significant changes to the identity of a longstanding Israeli character set to appear in its upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World.
The character in question, Ruth Bat-Seraph, first appeared in Marvel comics over four decades ago as a Mossad agent with the mutant alter-ego Sabra. The name “Sabra,” derived from Hebrew, traditionally signifies someone born in Israel.
Controversy erupted in 2022 when Disney, the parent company of Marvel, announced that Sabra would be featured in the new Captain America film, portrayed by Israeli actress Shira Haas. The announcement drew criticism from anti-Israeli activists.
In response to the backlash, Disney later stated that it would be “taking a different approach to the character Sabra” in the film, scheduled for release on February 14, 2025. This shift in direction has not eased tensions, as the latest trailer reveals that Sabra’s identity has been altered. The updated portrayal retains the character’s original name, Ruth Bat-Seraph, but omits any reference to Israel or the Mossad. Instead, Ruth Bat-Seraph is now depicted as a “former Black Widow” who has become a “high-ranking U.S. government official.”
Pro-Israel advocates have expressed disappointment over these changes. Hen Mazzig, a prominent pro-Israel activist, criticized Marvel on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the studio of succumbing to political pressures and “erasing” the character’s Israeli roots. In an opinion piece for The Jerusalem Post, Mazzig condemned the move as an affront to American Jews, who he argues were instrumental in creating the superhero genre.
As the film’s release date approaches, Marvel faces mounting criticism from both sides of the debate, highlighting the ongoing complexities of cultural representation in global entertainment.
Related topics:
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE WATCHING CREED 3
HOW MUCH IS JOHN WICK 4 ON PRIME VIDEO?
IS JAMIE LEE CURTIS IN EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE?