What is the Serpent Society in Captain America: Brave New World? Comic book origins, explored

The (MCU) is set to bring in an intimidating villainous team in Captain America: Brave New World, which hits the theatres on February 14, 2025. While much of the promotion and marketing has been fixated on Thaddeus Ross turning into the Red Hulk, the film will also be featuring the Serpent Society, a lesser-known but exceedingly treacherous mercenary team from Marvel Comics.

The Serpent Society was first introduced in the comics as a union-like organization for the supervillains. However, the Serpent Society has progressed over time, with Brave New World familiarising its audience with a much more modern-day version of the group.

With Giancarlo Esposito set to take up the role of the character of Sidewinder, who is the Serpent Society’s brutal leader, let’s delve into their origins and their role in Captain America: Brave New World.

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The comic book Origins of the Serpent Society

The Serpent Society first made an appearance in the Marvel comics in Captain America #310 in the year 1985, curated by writer Mark Gruenwald. The group was established by Sidewinder, who brought together several snake-theme-based rogues, including characters like Black Mamba, Anaconda, Rattler, and Diamondback.

Unlike traditional supervillain groups, the Serpent Society operated as a business, taking in bonds and agreements for reputed criminals like HYDRA and Kingpin.

However, the team actually had their origin from a former, much more chaotic team known as the Serpent Squad, which debuted in Captain America #163 in the year 1972. The Squad was founded by Viper, who was a villain striving for vengeance against The Falcon and Captain America.

However, over time, the Serpent Squad began to transition into a more well-thought-out organization, eventually turning into the Serpent Society under the rule of Sidewinder.

In a 2015 comic book reboot, the Serpent Society was once again revamped as a team called 'Serpent Solutions', through which they adapted to the modern world by functioning with corporations to accomplish their private operations while evading legal ramifications.

Perhaps, this could be the version of the group that appears to be the inspiration for their involvement in Captain America: Brave New World.

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Who is the Serpent Society in Captain America: Brave New World?

In the new and upcoming MCU film titled Captain America: Brave New World, the actor Giancarlo Esposito plays the character of Seth Voelker, a.k.a. Sidewinder, who is the leader of the Serpent Society.

While Sidewinder in Marvel Comics retained his inter-dimensional teleportation powers, the film’s rendition of the character seems to take on a more grounded street-level method, with the film concentrating on his highly strategic mind and expertise in weapons.

According to reports, The Serpent Society in the MCU appears to be working together with The Leader a.k.a Samuel Sterns played by Tim Blake Nelson, likely serving as a hired force in a larger scheme.

The Captain America: Brave New World trailers and teasers suggest that some form of mind control tech might play a role in the plot of the film, likely influencing Isaiah Bradley played by Carl Lumbly to draw an attack on President Ross played by Harrison Ford.

Given the fact that Sidewinder has utilized microchips in the comics to boost up abilities while also manipulating others, he might just be the root cause of these events.

With Brave New World aiming to make a comeback to explore a much more grounded level like the MCU did with Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the Serpent Society makes them a relevant addition to the film’s lineup of villains.

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Why the Serpent Society is a perfect fit for the MCU?

While the MCU has been consistent in featuring and bringing in an ample amount of comic book villains, Captain America: Brave New World is set to see the same amount of consistency with the MCU bringing in the Serpent Society.

The Serpent Society’s assembly as a corporate-run mercenary organization lines up well with this tone. Unlike grave outer worldly threats like Thanos or Kang the Conqueror, the Serpent Society operates themselves hiding in the shadows.

Furthermore, the addition of Madripoor, the crime-filled island introduced in Disney+’s second MCU series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, could perhaps act as their base of operations. Captain America: Brave New World could allow the MCU to further embark on the world of underground crime.

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The Serpent Society might not be as extensively recognized as some of Marvel’s other villain groups, but their strategic, business-like form and ties to Captain America’s history in the comics make them a fascinating addition to Captain America: Brave New World.

With their mercenary approach, ties to The Leader, and probable ties to some mind control tech, the Serpent Society could be one of Sam Wilson’s largest hurdles yet in the MCU.