Protesters Rally Against ‘Captain America’ Film Over Israeli Character

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12, 2025 — Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Hollywood premiere of “Captain America: Brave New World” on Tuesday, voicing their opposition to the film’s portrayal of an Israeli character played by actress Shira Haas. The protesters called for a boycott of the movie, citing concerns over the inclusion of the character Sabra, a superheroine with roots in the Israeli military.

The demonstration featured a range of chants, including “Free Palestine,” and signs with messages such as “Sabra must go” and “Disney supports genocide.” The film has ignited discourse among fans and activists since the character’s announcement in 2022.

The character Sabra is depicted as an Israeli Mossad agent in the original comics, a portrayal that has raised eyebrows against the backdrop of recent global events. To address concerns, Marvel has indicated they will take a “fresh approach” to the character’s depiction in the movie. “While our characters and stories are inspired by the comics, they are always reimagined for today’s screen and audience,” the company previously stated in a statement to Variety.

Producer Nate Moore clarified in a recent interview that in the film, Sabra “is not in the Mossad” but rather works for the United States government. This decision reflects an attempt to reframe the character within an updated narrative context.

Actress Shira Haas remarked on the controversy during an interview with Yedioth Acharonot, saying, “The first second it was announced that I was in the film, even before October 7, there was a buzz about the fact that I was an Israeli character. I received amazing reactions, and also some who liked it less.” She acknowledged the challenges posed by the changing socio-political landscape, stating, “There is no doubt that after October 7, it became more challenging.”

Haas further detailed the evolution of her character’s role, noting, “I heard that I was not in the film, and then I heard that I was Russian, and then I heard that they had enlarged my character in the film. But my character was always an Israeli-American who works close to the President of the United States, played by Harrison Ford. That hasn’t changed.”

The protests highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding representation in media and the impact of geopolitical events on cultural productions. As audiences await the film’s release, the dialogue surrounding its themes and characters continues to unfold.