Hey movie fans you know Giancarlo Esposito right? The guy is a legend at playing villains. Think Gus Fring in Breaking Bad Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian and now he's bringing his bad-guy skills to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Captain America: Brave New World . But get this the path to him becoming Sidewinder was not exactly straightforward. It is a bit of a twisty tale just like a snake.
Wait King Cobra? Giancarlo Esposito Was Initially Set to Play a Different Serpent Society Villain
So it turns out Giancarlo Esposito wasn't always meant to be Sidewinder in the new Captain America movie . In a recent interview he spilled the beans that Marvel originally wanted him for a different role entirely: King Cobra. Yep that's right King Cobra another villain from the Serpent Society corner of Marvel Comics.
Esposito admitted he was actually pretty hyped about playing King Cobra. He even joked about how fans in his neighborhood call him "King" which he thought was a cool connection. He was ready to embrace the royal reptile role. But as often happens in movie-making plans changed.
Creative Shake-Ups and Reshoots Lead to Sidewinder Switch: Esposito Embraces the Change
Captain America: Brave New World went through some pretty significant reshoots and a creative overhaul. During this process Marvel decided to shift Esposito to the role of Sidewinder instead of King Cobra. Producer Nate Moore explained to Esposito that while they loved the "King" vibe they thought Sidewinder would be a better fit for the movie's direction particularly with its ties to the Serpent Society.
Esposito being the pro he is took it all in stride. He said Marvel talked about making Sidewinder a really "grounded" and "mercenary" type of character. They wanted to add a grounded element to the movie during the reshoots and Sidewinder became a key part of that plan. Esposito described the whole thing as a "whirlwind" but he focused in went in and "knocked it out". That's Giancarlo for you total pro.
Who is Sidewinder Anyway? Exploring the Comic Book Origins of Esposito's MCU Villain
For those not super familiar with deep-cut Marvel villains Sidewinder is also known as Seth Voelker in the comics. He is not just some random baddie though. Sidewinder is a pretty established villain in Marvel lore particularly associated with Captain America and other heroes.
In the comics Seth Voelker is an economics professor who gets mixed up with the Roxxon Oil Company (sound familiar MCU fans?). A chemical mutation turns him into Sidewinder a crime boss and the leader of the Serpent Society a group of snake-themed villains. Over the years Sidewinder has tangled with heroes like Scarlet Witch Thing Triton and Stingray. Now it is Captain America's turn to face him.
It sounds like Marvel is aiming for a more grounded take on the Serpent Society in Brave New World. This fits with earlier reports that the movie is going for a more political action thriller feel rather than a big sci-fi spectacle. Sidewinder as a "mercenary fashion" villain seems to align with that tone.
Will Sidewinder Strike Again? Esposito Hints at Future MCU Appearances
Even though Captain America: Brave New World has had a bit of a mixed reception Giancarlo Esposito definitely wants to stick around in the MCU. He told interviewers "I'm hoping to be in this universe a little longer." That is good news for Esposito fans and villain enthusiasts in general.
Whether Sidewinder survives his encounter with Captain America in Brave New World remains to be seen. But in the world of comics and superhero movies death is rarely permanent. And with the multiverse still in play who knows what alternate versions or future storylines could bring back Sidewinder for another round of villainy? Maybe we will see him leading the Serpent Society against other MCU heroes down the line. Fingers crossed for more Giancarlo in the MCU whatever role he plays.
Key Facts About Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder in Captain America: Brave New World
- Giancarlo Esposito plays Sidewinder: The acclaimed actor takes on the role of Seth Voelker aka Sidewinder in Captain America: Brave New World.
- Originally Cast as King Cobra: Esposito was initially going to play King Cobra another Serpent Society villain but the role changed during production.
- Sidewinder Comic Origins: In comics Seth Voelker is an economics professor mutated into a crime boss leading the Serpent Society.
- Grounded Mercenary Villain: Marvel aimed to make Sidewinder a more grounded and mercenary-style villain for the movie.
- Part of Creative Overhaul: The Sidewinder role became more prominent during reshoots as Marvel wanted to "ground" the movie.
- Hopes for MCU Future: Esposito has expressed his desire to continue playing Sidewinder and remain in the MCU for future projects.