Summary
Giancarlo Esposito had kept his character inCaptain America: Brave New Worlda secret for quite some time, even after Marvel dropped the first trailer. Esposito is among the new characters who join Anthony Mackie in the latter’s new superhero flickCaptain America: Brave New World. This is the firstCaptain Americamovie without Chris Evans playing the Star-Spangled superhero.
When Esposito was spotted in the trailer, Marvel fans immediately shared their theories about his character, with some saying he was probably Raul Bushman or George Washington “G.W.” Bridge. A few suggested he was the leader of the LAF criminal group, Georges Batroc. At the time, Esposito saidno one had guessed his character correctly.However, he had just ended the speculations surrounding his mysterious role.
Esposito shared a clip of him announcing his role in the upcomingCaptain Americamovie at the San Diego Comic-Con onTikTok. He said while onstage, “I can say, I am, Can I say it? I can say it, wow! I can finally unleash it! I am the King of the Serpent Society. I amSidewinder!” The crowd cheered and clapped after hearing his big announcement. Several fans were pleased and many were expecting more from him due to his impressive acting portfolio. One commented, “You’re probably one of the if not the best actors to play any bad guy/villains in movies/shows.” Another user wrote, “A fantastic, superb actor in everything he does,” with multiple clapping hands emojis.
In an interview withEntertainment Weekly, Esposito teased more about Sidewinder. According to theBetter Call Saulactor, Sidewinder is a “physical guy” who knows how to utilize the tools of his trade. He also plays against some of the things in the comics that fans may think could be true, suggesting that some elements may have been changed for the MCU. “I like it because he’s a complicated guy who didn’t start in a nefarious way,” Esposito explained to EW. “He came to this in a different way, which hopefully will unfold. I like it for me because you’ve seen me play certain villainous characters who use their brain, who are great at dictating what to do and how to do it.”
Sidewinder’s real name in the comics is Seth Voelker. He was an Economics professor who was dismissed from his profession and hired by the Roxxon Oil Company to steal the mysterious artifact, the Serpent Crown. Roxxon Oil Company chemically mutated him to give him the power to teleport to begin his criminal career as Sidewinder. The villain was able to retrieve the Serpent Crown linked to the god known as Set, which grants the wearer immortality and the ability to control one’s mind. However, after working for Roxxon, he decided to form his own criminal organization calledthe Serpent Society, a villain group of snake-themed characters. He promised the members they would never be kept in jail due to his ability to teleport.
Sidewinder isone of the villainswhom Captain America has come face to face frequently in his story arc, so the character’s addition toBrave New Worldis not surprising. Based on the trailer, Marvel has seemingly changed some elements about Sidewinder, or they probably haven’t revealed his real appearance. In the comics, he dons a red mask, a reptilian neckpiece, snake-like armor, and a sweeping cloak. It’s exciting to see how Esposito will transform as Sidewinder in the film and how his encounter with Captain America will turn out, as Esposito has been teasing that his character is badass and very physical.
