Friday, December 26, 2025

Captain America 4 Concept Art Reveals Giancarlo Esposito’s Villain’s Original Look Before Casting

New concept art for Marvel StudiosCaptain America 4, also known as Captain America: Brave New World, has been revealed. The artwork provides a glimpse into the initial design ideas for the film’s antagonist, Seth Voelker, also known as Sidewinder, before Giancarlo Esposito was cast in the role.

The movie, which premiered in United States theaters this past February, features Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America. Directed by Julius Onah, the film also stars Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres/Falcon, Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk, and Giancarlo Esposito portraying the villain Sidewinder.

Artist Shares Original Vision for Sidewinder’s Appearance

Artist Michael Blackbear Uwandi posted on Instagram showcasing early concept art for Sidewinder from Captain America: Brave New World. The images depict an initial idea involving nano tattoos and a snake skin mask representing a “first phase transformation for the character.

In the post, the artist explains,

Serpent Society for Captain America Brave New World,

and adds,

Very early iteration of nano tattoos. The snake skin mask was the idea of a ‘first phase’ transformation for the characters. This was the first take on SideWinder before the actor was cast. The actor ultimately ended up being Giancarlo Esposito.

Plot Overview and Supporting Cast Details

Captain America: Brave New World centers on Sam Wilson, who officially assumes the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam becomes involved in an international crisis. He must uncover the motivations behind a dangerous global scheme before the mastermind causes worldwide chaos.

The film’s cast also includes Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, Xosha Roquemore as Leila Taylor, Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, and Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns. The screenplay credits Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musso, Julius Onah, and Peter Glanz, with Kevin Feige and Nate Moore producing and Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serving as executive producers.

Availability and Continuing Interest

Following its theatrical release, Captain America 4 is now streaming on Disney+, allowing audiences to explore the film’s fresh take on the superhero saga and witness Giancarlo Esposito’s portrayal of Sidewinder. The unveiled concept art enhances fans’ appreciation of the creative development behind the story’s villain and the visual transformation that took place before casting. This insight into the early design phase contributes to understanding how the villain’s character evolved alongside the film’s production.