Marvel Taking New Approach to Israeli Superhero For ‘Captain America’ Amid Concerns

Shira Haas will portray the superhero Sabra in the upcoming new Captain America movie, Captain America: New World Order. While there is plenty of excitement for the project, there is some concern regarding the character appearing in the film.

According to Variety, Marvel confirmed to the outlet that the MCU would be taking a “new approach” with Sabra. They used the statement to calm fears.

“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 first appeared in the early 1980s Marvel Comics in “The Incredible Hulk.” Her presence brought Marvel Comics into the Israeli-Palestine conflict. For example, in a 1981 Hulk comic, the death of a Palestinian boy had Sabra showed little remorse until the Hulk taught her about human values.

Sabra battled Arab stereotypes in the comics that would be offensive, raising concerns from Palestinians over the character being introduced to the MCU. A U.S.-based pro-Palestinian organization, The Institute for Middle East Understanding, criticized the character for “glorifying the Israeli army and police.”

“Captain America: New World Order” is in development at Marvel and a screenplay has yet to be finalized. Haas will set to star opposite Anthony Mackie as the title hero. Disney will release the film on May 3rd, 2024.

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