Disney-owned Marvel Studios takes 'different approach' to Jewish super-hero, erases Israel, Judaism from backstory

Marvel Studios has junked the origins of a Jewish superhero which many claim is in response to threats of boycotts from anti-Israel activists. The character, portrayed by Shira Haas of “Unorthodox,” first appeared in an issue of The Incredible Hulk in 1980.

Last week, the Disney-owned studio dropped the trailer “Captain America: Brave New World.” One of the characters featured is Ruth Bat-Seraph, also known as Sabra, a term used for a person born in Israel. The character is a Mossad agent with super strength, super speed, and healing abilities.

The Times of Israel received a statement from Marvel Studios that the Disney-owned filmmaker would be "taking a different approach to the character Sabra" for the movie.

Haas is seen in the trailer. Calls came to boycott the film in 2022, when the movie, the character’s inclusion, and the casting of a Jewish actress were announced. Thoce calls from anti-Israel activists have continued after Palestinian terrorists attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and through Israel’s war against Hamas.

In the movie’s announcement, which was released with the trailer, there is no mention of Sabra, only the character's original name, Ruth Bat-Seraph, and she is described as "a former Black Widow" that is now a "high-ranking U.S. government official." Black Widows are assassins for Russia, a country that is known for its antisemitism and persecution of Jews.

According to Marvel, “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.”

Many on social media saw the "fresh imagining" as a direct insult to the many Jews who were the creators of the superhero genre in the US. The film is set to be released on Valentine's Day in 2025.