Who Is Sidewinder? Giancarlo Esposito’s Villain in Captain America 4: Brave New World Explained

Many fans are eager to learn about Giancarlo Esposito’s character, Sidewinder, in Captain America 4: Brave New World. The anticipation surrounding his role has generated significant buzz, especially given Esposito’s reputation for portraying compelling villains. He was initially rumored to play George Washington Bridge. But Esposito recently stated that nobody had guessed his villain, who is now revealed to be Sidewinder.

For those looking to understand who Sidewinder is and what makes him a formidable adversary in the Marvel Universe, here’s everything you need to know.

Who is Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder in Captain America: Brave New World?

Sidewinder, also known as Seth Voelker, is the “King of the Serpent Society,” a formidable group of mercenaries in the Marvel Universe. His introduction signifies a major and complex threat to Captain America. This harkens back to the grounded, espionage-driven storytelling reminiscent of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

In the comics, he created the Serpent Society, which featured several snake themed members including Anaconda, Black Mamba, Death Adder, Asp, Diamondback, Cottonmouth, the Cobra, Bushmaster, Rattler, and Princess Python, at different points in time.

Tanya Sealy, aka Black Mamba was Sidewinder’s lover in the source material. Whether that relationship will be featured in the MCU remains to be seen as a few of the Serpent Society’s members are also rumored to appear in Captain America 4: Brave New World.

What are Sidewinder’s powers and abilities in Marvel comics?

Sidewinder possesses a unique set of abilities primarily derived from his mystical cloak.

Created by scientists at the Brand Corporation, this cloak allows him to teleport by opening an aperture into another dimension. He can transport himself and others over significant distances, up to 50 miles in a single jump, with pinpoint accuracy due to a cybernetic control chip implanted in his brain.

In addition to his teleportation abilities, Sidewinder’s armor provides protection against small-arms fire. It also includes a rebreather unit, enabling him to survive underwater for extended periods. Although Voelker himself has no superhuman abilities, his strategic mind and financial expertise make him a formidable leader and adversary in the Marvel Universe.

Giancarlo Esposito’s potential as Marvel’s Sidewinder

During its Hall H Comic-Con panel on Saturday, Marvel Studios unveiled new footage from the upcoming film, set to hit theaters on February 14, 2025. In the clip, Esposito’s Sidewinder is introduced with a speech from President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. Ross, played by Harrison Ford, was also present at the panel. Ross’s address at a “historic evening” at the White House sets the stage for the introduction of this new Brave New World villain.