Incredible Hulk's Shadow Looms Over Captain America's 'Brave New World'

Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise, stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, succeeding Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. While focusing on Captain America's continued MCU journey, the film significantly revisits plot threads from the very first MCU movie, effectively functioning as The Incredible Hulk 2.

This connection stems from the return of key characters from The Incredible Hulk: Harrison Ford's Thunderbolt Ross, Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader, and Liv Tyler's Betty Ross. Let's examine their history and how Brave New World serves as a long-awaited sequel.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

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Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader:

The Incredible Hulk introduced Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, foreshadowing his transformation into The Leader. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' overzealous experiments with Banner's blood led to his own gamma-irradiated transformation. This storyline, hinted at in the original film, finally comes to fruition in Brave New World.

Sterns' whereabouts since The Incredible Hulk are explained in the MCU-canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, revealing his capture by Black Widow and subsequent escape. His role in Brave New World's conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross remains largely unknown, though his involvement in Ross' Red Hulk transformation is likely. The Leader's enhanced intellect makes him a formidable threat.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross:

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks her first MCU appearance since The Incredible Hulk. Her past relationship with Bruce Banner, involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, and strained relationship with her father are all relevant to her role in Brave New World. Her expertise in gamma radiation and the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk, as in the comics, add intrigue to her return.

Betty's role in the film's narrative remains a mystery, absent from the marketing campaign. Will she reconcile with her father, utilize her gamma expertise, or even transform into Red She-Hulk?

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk:

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross is central to Brave New World's connection to The Incredible Hulk. Taking over from the late William Hurt, Ford's Ross, now President of the United States, is a key figure in the film's plot.

Ross's past conflicts with Bruce Banner, his role in creating the Abomination, and his attempts to control the Hulk are all crucial to understanding his present actions. His transformation into Red Hulk, a significant plot point, further solidifies the film's status as a Hulk sequel.

Director Julius Onah highlights the evolution of Ross's character, from a "thunderous" military man to a more diplomatic elder statesman. This transformation mirrors Sam Wilson's own journey as he navigates his new role as Captain America.

Ross's presidency, following the events of Secret Invasion, and his transformation into Red Hulk are key plot points. His pursuit of adamantium, a newly introduced super-metal, adds another layer to the film's geopolitical intrigue.

The Absence of Hulk:

The only element preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2 is the absence of Bruce Banner/Hulk. While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk isn't prominently featured, the possibility of a cameo remains. Banner's absence might be explained by his involvement with his family of Hulks, including his son Skaar.

Ultimately, Captain America: Brave New World serves as a compelling continuation of the Hulk storyline, integrating key characters and plot points from The Incredible Hulk into a new Captain America adventure. The film's focus on Ross, The Leader, and Betty Ross, coupled with the introduction of adamantium and the Red Hulk transformation, creates a narrative that feels both familiar and fresh. The absence of Hulk, however, leaves the door open for future appearances and further exploration of the Hulk's legacy within the MCU.