World
Marvel strips Jewish superhero Sabra of her Israeli identity
Outrage after film company turns the Jewish Sabra character into a former Russian spy
July 15, 2024 13:34
Outrage after film company turns the Jewish Sabra character into a former Russian spy
July 15, 2024 13:34She has been described as the “great Jewish superhero”.
Launched in 1980 into Marvel Comics’ superhero universe – itself created by American Jews – Sabra was the first superhuman agent created to serve the Mossad.
But this week Marvel Studios was accused of stripping Sabra of her Israeli identity, instead making her a Russia-linked agent in the upcoming film Captain America: Brave New World.
The creation of a new, de-Zionised Sabra, played by Israeli actress Shira Haas, comes amid speculation that Marvel Studios has sought to avoid criticism from an audience bombarded by anti-Israel propaganda.
The move has left Jewish Marvel fans reeling, with one comic-book historian accusing the film company of “Jewish erasure”.
When Marvel Studios announced Haas’s involvement in 2022 it was understood that she would play Sabra and that the character would keep her fictional “real” name, Ruth Bat-Seraph.
That name has stayed, but Marvel Studios’ pledge that it would take a “new approach” to Sabra in the film – due to open in US cinemas on February 14, 2025 – has come to fruition.
A description of the movie published on the company’s website omits Bat-Seraph’s Israeli background and instead describes Haas’s character as a “Black Widow”, a Marvel figure who is linked to the world of Russian secret intelligence.
In her guise in Marvel Comics in the 1980s, Sabra was known for fighting for the State of Israel, and was depicted fighting evil forces in Tel Aviv and by the Western Wall.
Since the franchise announced Haas’s involvement it faced a backlash from supporters of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement.
Campaigners have urged Marvel to drop the Emmy-nominated actress, who starred in popular Netflix shows Shtisel and Unorthodox.
In response to criticism, Marvel Studios said: “While our characters and stories are inspired by the comics, they are always freshly imagined for the screen and today’s audience.”
Since the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7 the backlash against Hass and the character has intensified.
It is understood that early screen tests of the film by Marvel Studios – which has recently sought to increase “diversity” on screen – led to changes to scenes and central plot lines.
Reports suggest that the changes to the Sabra character emerged from feedback from screen tests.
In the recently released trailer, Israeli actress Haas can be seen alongside Anthony Mackie, who plays Captain America. He is the first black actor in history to play the role.
In the original Marvel Comics, Sabra’s superpowers include superhuman strength, speed, a regenerative healing power and the ability to charge others by transferring her life energy to them.
The word Sabra is a Hebrew term used to describe someone who is native to Israel and the character used her powers to fight against Palestinian terrorists, after her son was killed in a bus attack.
Comic-book historian Sasha Kaplan, who is Jewish, said: “It does not specifically indicate that Ruth will be Russian.
"Either way, the Jewish erasure happening at Marvel, which has also occurred to Moon Knight, will likely happen when other heroes like Ben Grimm, Billy Kaplan and others join the Marvel Comic Universe. There remains, regardless, a double standard, Soviet Soldiers OK. Russian heroes, Chinese heroes, no problem. But how dare we have an Israeli superhero? The ultimate evil to those harassing Jews and boycotting Marvel.”
Disney, which owns Marvel Studios, did not reply to requests for comment.