The Mandalorian Star Giancarlo Esposito has been added to the cast of Captain America: Brave New World during reshoots. After speculation that he had been cast in the role of GW Bridge, the actor’s role was finally confirmed as Seth Voelker/Sidewinder at San Diego Comic-Con last month.
The character is best known as the leader of the Serpent Society, a group of technologically and genetically enhanced villains who may have originated from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier track.
In the trailer for Captain America: Brave New WorldSidewinder looks more like a paid assassin or mercenary than anything else, but Esposito revealed some intriguing new details during his appearance at Fan Expo Chicago this weekend.
He described Sidewinder as “a scientist (and) a great mind”, teasing, “You will see me do things you have never seen me do before.”
In the comics, Voelker is portrayed as a criminally minded businessman, rather than a genius scientist who can assemble his own team of formidable snake-themed supervillains. We’re used to seeing changes like this made when transitioning from page to screen, and we’d bet this Sidewinder has some bold ideas for Adamantium.
As for what this means for Esposito’s next MCU appearance (in a Disney+ TV series), we would say this makes him a likely candidate for Ironhearta series that focuses on technology. However, the actor would have to be brought back into the show for reshoots.
Seth Voelker was introduced in the 1980s Marvel Two-in-One No. 64It was created by Mark Gruenwald, Ralph Macchio and George Pérez.
The villain was hired by the Roxxon Oil Company to obtain the Serpent Crown, an ancient magical artifact that grants its wearer a long list of superpowers. As Sidewinder, Voelker succeeded in his mission and later founded his own supervillain group, the Serpent Society.
This was initially a success, although the villain was ultimately betrayed by Viper. However, Diamondback helped him and he continued doing his thing until he retired. Believe it or not, Voelker has since become a television pundit, sharing his thoughts on posthuman beings, including the Thunderbolts.
After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford in his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident and must uncover the reason behind a nefarious global conspiracy before the real mastermind enrages the entire world.
Captain America: Brave New World with Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, with Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson and Harrison Ford.
The film was directed by Julius Onah and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore. Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serve as executive producers.
Captain America: Brave New World will be released in US theaters on February 14, 2025.
