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, this film significantly expands upon plot threads from the very first MCU movie: it's essentially The Incredible Hulk 2.
This article delves into the history of returning MCU characters – Harrison Ford's Thunderbolt Ross, Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader, and Liv Tyler's Betty Ross – explaining why 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, foreshadowing a future villain. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' overzealous experiments with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood led to his transformation. A sample of Banner's blood contaminating an open wound caused Sterns' head to swell and mutate, setting the stage for his evolution into The Leader, a gamma-powered intellect.
Brave New World finally delivers on this long-awaited development. The MCU canon comic, The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s capture of Sterns. His escape and involvement in the conspiracy surrounding Captain America and President Ross remain largely mysterious, though his potential role in Ross's transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in the newly introduced adamantium are highly speculated. His superhuman intelligence makes him a formidable adversary for Captain America and Falcon.
Liv Tyler's Betty Ross
Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another significant Incredible Hulk connection. Their college romance and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, where she created the primer saving Banner, are revisited. Her father's hatred of Banner and their strained relationship are also key elements.
Betty's role in Brave New World remains undisclosed, though her gamma research expertise and potential transformation into Red She-Hulk are anticipated. Her relationship with her now-President father is also a point of intrigue.
Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk
Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding William Hurt, is central to the film's connection to The Incredible Hulk. Ross's initial antagonism towards Bruce Banner, his pursuit of controlling the Hulk, and his creation of the Abomination are all relevant to the narrative.
Ross's journey through the MCU, from General to Secretary of Defense, to his involvement in the Sokovia Accords and his pursuit of Black Widow, culminates in his presidency. His transformation into Red Hulk, likely a consequence of a deal with The Leader, adds another layer of complexity. His desire to control adamantium further fuels the conflict.
Director Julius Onah highlights Ross's evolution from a wrathful figure to a more nuanced character seeking reconciliation with his daughter and cooperation with the Avengers.
The film depicts Ross's attempt at peace with Sam Wilson, only to be thrust into a conspiracy involving an assassination attempt and his transformation into Red Hulk. His pursuit of adamantium control further complicates the plot.
Where Is the Hulk in Brave New World?
The absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner/Hulk is the primary distinction between Brave New World and a direct Incredible Hulk sequel. While a cameo isn't ruled out, Banner's current focus on his family of Hulks – including Jen Walters and Skaar – might explain his absence. His potential involvement could be saved for Avengers: Doomsday.
A poll concludes the article, asking readers to predict Hulk's appearance in Brave New World.
