Five-time WWE World Champion Seth Rollins has officially confirmed the long-standing rumor that his anticipated role in Captain America: Brave New World has been cut following extensive rewrites and reshoots for the upcoming Marvel film.
Rollins shared the news during a video interview with YouTuber Chris Van Vliet, shedding light on his involvement—or lack thereof—in the latest entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Not me, kid. Sorry.
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) November 10, 2024
Rollins was initially cast in the film as a member of the Serpent Society and was photographed in costume on the set. However, that was before a series of disastrous test screenings reportedly led to sweeping rewrites and frantic reshoots.
“I wish it the best, but I am not a part of that film,” Rollins confirmed. He elaborated, explaining, “The script went through a lot of rewrites and reshoots, and so what I was there to do… Essentially my role got either repurposed or completely erased.”
Seth Rollins #WWERaw segment last night was pretaped due to filming @Marvel’s “Captain America: New World Order.”
While many backstage are very happy for him, there is hesitancy when it comes to putting the new title on him should these roles continue. pic.twitter.com/BRiwEHUCQ5
— WRKD Wrestling (@WRKDWrestling) May 16, 2023
Rollins also disclosed that he had auditioned for a potential alternate role, but the project’s direction shifted entirely.
“I did do a bit of an audition to possibly pop into another role,” the WWE superstar admitted. “I believe, or the repurposing of my role. I’m not exactly sure on what it was. But they ended up going in a different direction with it. My understanding is there was just a lot of rewrites and a lot of reshoots.”
Despite the changes, Rollins seemed to offer optimism for the film, stating, “They know they’ve got a finished product that hopefully they’re happy with, and hopefully it’s successful. But it will be sans Seth Rollins.”
Harrison Ford as Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
When Van Vliet brought up the trailer clip that fans thought featured Rollins, the WWE star gave a playful response.
“You could just see his eyeballs,” Rollins said. “I am not in the movie. I don’t want anybody to go to the film thinking, ‘Oh, I’m here to see Seth Rollins.’ There might be two people who would do that, but I don’t want those two people to waste their time. I don’t want to misinform anybody. I don’t want to lead anybody astray. I am not in the film.”
When asked about his thoughts on acting, Rollins made it clear where his passions lie.
“If I’m not [in a movie], I don’t care,” he said. “I don’t love acting. I love wrestling.”
These comments echo those of WWE’s John Cena, who once spoke about going to Hollywood as though it was a dirty concept. He offered a lot of vocal criticism toward those who left WWE for the greener pastures of tinsel town, most notably Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. However, Cena has since gone to Hollywood himself, appearing as the lead in James Gunn’s Peacemaker.
A screenshot from the intro of Peacemaker on Max – Max
The production of Captain America: Brave New World has been surrounded by reports of turbulence, with sources indicating that significant reshoots were undertaken earlier this year to incorporate Giancarlo Esposito’s new villainous character, Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent Society. These reshoots have reportedly caused delays and raised questions about the cohesiveness of the final product.
The movie, which sees Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson fully taking on the mantle of Captain America, has already faced criticism from some fans over the MCU’s pivot toward overt political messaging and DEI-driven decisions. Many have pointed to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series as a prime example, where themes of identity politics seemed to overshadow character-driven storytelling.
Anthony Mackie behind the scenes of Marvel Studios‘ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo by Eli Adé. © 2024 MARVEL.
While Captain America films of the past were a thrilling period war film, a suspenseful espionage thriller, and a major super hero team up brawl, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier focused on issues like open borders, racial inequality, and an Avenger not being able to get a loan.
It also tried to get the audience to side with a group of murderous terrorists over a decorated American soldier who had done nothing but accept a job that he was offered.
Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL.
As Marvel continues to evolve its cinematic universe, balancing audience expectations with bold narrative decisions remains a challenge. The reception of Captain America: Brave New World, set to release on February 14, 2025, could serve as a litmus test for the franchise’s future direction. For now, Rollins’ departure from the project adds another layer of intrigue—and uncertainty—to the film’s already tumultuous journey toward the big screen.
Are you planning to see Captain America: Brave New World? Are you upset, relieved, or indifferent at Seth Rollins being cut from the film? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
This will be a glorious sh*tshow. Gosh, this movie will be bad.
Wrestling may be choreographed, but at least you don’t have to worry about the main character siding with the villain and yelling at senators that they “need to do better” after they give everyone back the stuff that was stolen from them when they were Snapped.
I don’t watch wrestling but I respect those who do far more than those who don’t do public critiquing and choose to see this movie.
I doubt Seth Rollins needs to tell his fans not to watch it. With the exception of D&W, practically nobody is going to see M-SHE-U movies anymore. Not even the woke who might just be watching these movies but are such a tiny minority all their money pooled still isn’t enough have lost all patience.
Reportedly Disney is getting massive backlash over RDJ playing Dr. Doom because it’s “whitewashing a black character.” At this point they can’t win no matter what they do.
A black character?? Who thinks Dr. Doom is black?? He’s from Latvia, not Liberia.
Countdown to the next 6-9 month postponement 3 – 2 – 1….
Don’t worry Seth, most of us were never going to watch it anyway. Craptain Falcon does nothing for me.