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 serving as The Incredible Hulk 2.
This connection stems from the return of several 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 functions as an Incredible Hulk 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, hinting at his future as a major antagonist. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' overzealous experimentation with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood leads to his transformation into The Leader. A sample of Banner's blood contaminates an open wound on Sterns' forehead, causing his head to swell and mutate.
This transformation, familiar to comic book fans, finally comes to fruition in Brave New World. The comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week reveals that S.H.I.E.L.D. apprehended Sterns, who subsequently escaped and became central to the film's conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. His role remains largely undisclosed in the marketing, but his involvement in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and potential plans involving the newly introduced adamantium are highly anticipated. His enhanced intellect makes him a formidable threat.
Liv Tyler's Betty Ross
Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another significant Incredible Hulk reunion. Betty's relationship with Bruce Banner, her involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, and her strained relationship with her father are all revisited. The Incredible Hulk showed her aiding Banner while simultaneously navigating her complicated relationship with her father.
Betty's post-Incredible Hulk story remains largely unknown, except for her temporary erasure by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. Her role in Brave New World is a mystery, though her expertise in gamma research and her father's current presidential status suggest significant involvement. The possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk, as in the comics, adds another layer of intrigue.
Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk
Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding William Hurt, is the most obvious indicator of Brave New World's connection to The Incredible Hulk. Ross's history of antagonism towards Bruce Banner, his involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, and his creation of the Abomination are all pivotal to the narrative.
Ross's journey through the MCU, from General to Secretary of Defense, culminating in his presidential election, is highlighted. His transformation into Red Hulk, mirroring the comics, is a major plot point. Director Julius Onah describes Ross's character arc as a shift from a "thunderous temper" to a more diplomatic figure seeking reconciliation with his daughter and cooperation with the Avengers.
His pursuit of adamantium, a newly introduced super-metal, further complicates the plot. The geopolitical implications of this new technology are central to the film's narrative.
Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?
The absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner/Hulk is the only factor preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2. While a cameo appearance isn't ruled out, Banner's current status as a family man with a gamma-powered son, Skaar, might explain his absence. His focus on other matters, and the current state of the Avengers, could account for his lack of involvement.
The film's central conflict revolves around a conspiracy involving Red Hulk, The Leader, and the newly discovered adamantium. The question remains whether Captain America can overcome this threat. The potential for Hulk's involvement remains a topic of speculation.
