The presence of the Israeli mutant Sabra, played by Shira Haas, in the cast of “Captain America: New World Order” created controversy. Marvel assures that they will take a “new approach” in the inclusion of this superheroine.
Last week, Marvel announced that Israeli actress Shira Haas, Golden Globe nominee for Best Actress for the drama series Unorthodox, was joining the cast of Captain America: New World Order. The latter will play the role of Sabra, an Israeli mutant who has become a super-agent of the Mossad, the Israeli secret service.
Sabra, whose real name is Ruth Bat-Seraph, first appeared in the comics Incredible Hulk vol.1 #250 in August 1980, the character was created by screenwriter Bill Mantlo and cartoonist Sal Buscema. The superhero wears a white costume with a blue Star of David on her chest.
The character’s inclusion in the comics has long been controversial and so has his presence in the movies.
Several human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, fear that by introducing Sabra, the MCU will come across as glorifying Israel. The Institute for Middle East Understanding, a pro-Palestinian organization based in the United States, criticizes the character of Sabra in particular for “glorify the israeli army and police“.
the New York Times clarifies that the name “Sabra” itself has a different meaning. “For Israeli Jews, a Sabra can simply be someone born in Israel. But Sabra is also the name of a refugee camp in Lebanon where a Christian militia massacred hundreds of Palestinians while Israeli troops remained there 40 years ago..”
Stephane Vansteenkiste/Bestimage Actress Shira Haas will play Sabra
Faced with the scale of the controversy and the launch of #CaptainApartheid by pro-Palestinian organizations who accuse Marvel of Zionist propaganda, the studio headed by Kevin Feige spoke up.
In a press release relayed by varietyMarvel says: “Although our characters and stories are inspired by the comics, they are still freshly imagined for today’s screen and audience, and the filmmakers are taking a fresh approach with the character of Sabra who was first introduced. in the comics over 40 years ago.”
The studio should therefore adopt a new approach to include this superheroine in Julius Onah’s film, which is currently being written. Led by Anthony Mackie, who takes over the costume and shield of Chris Evans, the feature film is scheduled for release in theaters on May 1, 2024.