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 ties up loose ends from the very first MCU movie, effectively serving 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 histories and how Brave New World functions as a 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, a key figure whose story finally unfolds in Brave New World. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, aiding in a Hulk cure, Sterns' ambition surpasses Banner's ethical boundaries. Their encounter reveals Sterns' overzealous experimentation with Banner's blood, leading to a transformative accident. A sample of Banner's blood contaminates Sterns, initiating his transformation into The Leader, a gamma-powered intellect.
This transformation, familiar to comic book fans, is finally addressed in Brave New World. The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week (MCU canon) reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s capture of Sterns, who later escapes. His involvement in the conspiracy surrounding Captain America and President Ross remains largely mysterious, though his role in Ross's Red Hulk transformation is plausible. The Leader's potential involvement with adamantium, a new MCU element, adds another layer to his threat.
Liv Tyler's Betty Ross
Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another Incredible Hulk reunion. Their college romance and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, where she helped Banner survive his transformation, are revisited. Betty's relationship with her father, fueled by Ross's obsession with Banner, is a significant element.
Betty's role in Brave New World is currently unknown, absent from marketing materials. Possible scenarios include reconciliation with her father, utilization of her gamma research expertise, or even a transformation into Red She-Hulk, as seen in the comics.
Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk
Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding William Hurt, is central to Brave New World's status as an Incredible Hulk sequel. Ross's history, beginning in The Incredible Hulk as an antagonist to Bruce Banner, is well-established. His pursuit of controlling the Hulk, his strained relationship with Betty, and his creation of the Abomination are key plot points.
Ross's MCU journey continues through Captain America: Civil War, Black Widow, Infinity War, and Endgame, culminating in his presidency in Brave New World. This presidency, following the events of Secret Invasion, positions him as a figure capable of handling superhuman threats. The film explores Ross's attempt at reconciliation with Sam Wilson, only to be disrupted by an assassination attempt and his transformation into the Red Hulk.
Director Julius Onah highlights Ross's evolution from a "thunderous" figure to an elder statesman seeking redemption. His Red Hulk transformation, potentially a deal with The Leader, is a significant plot point. His pursuit of controlling adamantium further complicates the narrative.
The Absence of the Hulk
The absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is the only factor preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2. While a cameo remains possible, Banner's current focus on his family of Hulks (Jen Walters and Skaar) could explain his absence. His potential involvement in future Avengers films is also a consideration.
The question remains: will Hulk appear? The film's narrative focuses on the consequences of past events and the introduction of new threats, leaving the Hulk's role uncertain. His potential appearance, however, would certainly add to the already complex storyline.
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