The upcoming Captain America film, starring Anthony Mackie, has found itself at the center of controversy even before its release. The newly unveiled trailer has ignited debate due to the inclusion of an Israeli character, Ruth Bat-Seraph, portrayed by Shira Haas, known for her role in “Unorthodox.” This character, a former Black Widow now holding a high-ranking position within the US government, has sparked calls for a boycott from various groups.
The character’s origins have become a point of contention. In the comics, she was known as Sabra, an Israeli Mossad agent. However, Marvel Studios has altered her background in the film, shifting her allegiance from an Israeli agency to a US one. This change has sparked anger from both pro-Israel advocates, who are displeased with the alteration of the character’s origin, and anti-Israel critics, who oppose her Israeli origins and the original comic’s portrayal of Mossad. The controversy has even led to a new moniker for the character online: “She Who Shall Not Be Named”, accompanied by calls to #CutSabra.
Some have suggested that the character’s background alteration was a response to the Israel-Hamas war. However, Marvel announced the changes back in 2022 at D23 Expo, claiming they were aiming for a more modern take on the character. At the time, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel criticized the decision, deeming “the original comic’s ugly racism and valorization of Mossad sickening.”
The character, who debuted in The Incredible Hulk comic book in 1980, has been considered problematic by some due to her portrayal in the original comics. Sabra was often depicted fighting stereotypical Arab villains, wearing a blue and white outfit featuring a Star of David, and was dubbed the first Israeli superheroine. The name ‘Sabra’ itself carries multiple meanings, including someone born in Israel, a tree bearing a sweet fruit with a prickly exterior, and a reference to the Lebanese refugee camp where a militia massacred hundreds of Palestinians while Israeli troops stood by in 1982. To clarify any misinformation, it’s important to note that the character was introduced into the Marvel universe two years before the massacre occurred, disproving claims that Marvel deliberately named her after the atrocity.
Despite Marvel’s explanation that the character’s backstory would be altered for a modern audience, fans have threatened to boycott the film over her inclusion. Concerns have also been raised about the character potentially overshadowing Anthony Mackie’s first solo Captain America film, following the departure of Chris Evans who played the role from 2011 to 2019. The film, which is set to release next year, is already facing a wave of controversy, leaving its success uncertain.
