Disney-owned Marvel Studios has made a controversial decision to alter the backstory of its Jewish superhero, Sabra, in the upcoming film “Captain America: Brave New World.” The character, originally depicted as an Israeli Mossad agent with strong ties to her Jewish heritage, will now have a significantly different background as a Russian.
Marvel Studios released a statement informing viewers that they would be “taking a different approach to the character Sabra” after facing backlash from pro-Palestinian viewers who threatened to boycott the film.
The Jewish community has spoken out in protest to this change by the superhero franchise claiming that it is a direct move by Hollywood to embrace antisemitism.
Marvel commented on the storyline shift, saying, “While our characters and stories are inspired by the comics, they are always freshly imagined for the screen and today’s audience, and the filmmakers are taking a new approach with the character Sabra who was first introduced in the comics over 40 years ago.”
Sabra, whose real name is Ruth Bat-Seraph, first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1980. Her character has been known for her deep connection to Israel and her role as a superhero representing the Jewish state. However, Marvel Studios has decided to remove these elements from her story in the new film. This move has sparked criticism from fans and commentators who believe it erases important aspects of her identity and heritage.
To make matters worse, the franchise has chosen to eradicate Sabra’s Israeli heritage and, instead, make her a Russian superhero.
The decision comes amid ongoing debates about representation and cultural sensitivity in Hollywood. Critics argue that altering Sabra’s backstory diminishes the representation of Jewish and Israeli characters in mainstream media.
