Captain America: Brave New World Is Secretly an Incredible Hulk Sequel

Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise, stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, taking the lead from Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film, however, isn't just a continuation of the Captain America story; it significantly expands upon plot threads from one of the earliest MCU films, 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 histories and how Brave New World weaves them into a new narrative.

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' ambition and reckless experimentation with Banner's blood ultimately led to his own gamma-irradiated transformation. The MCU finally delivers on this long-awaited development in Brave New World.

Sterns' whereabouts in the intervening years are explained in the MCU-canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, depicting his capture by Black Widow and subsequent confinement by S.H.I.E.L.D. His escape and involvement in a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross are central to the plot. His potential role in Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, as seen in the comics, remains a compelling possibility. The introduction of adamantium in Brave New World also suggests Sterns might exploit the ensuing global conflict for his own gain. As The Leader, his enhanced intellect poses a formidable threat.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross also marks a significant link to The Incredible Hulk. Their college romance and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, where she helped Banner survive his transformation, are revisited. Her complex relationship with her father, further strained by his obsession with Banner, is another key element.

Betty's fate after The Incredible Hulk, including her temporary erasure by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, is finally addressed. Her role in Brave New World remains largely undisclosed, though her expertise in gamma research and her potential transformation into Red She-Hulk (as in the comics) are intriguing possibilities.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, taking over from the late William Hurt, is the most obvious indicator of Brave New World's connection to The Incredible Hulk. Ross's history as a military man obsessed with controlling the Hulk, his strained relationship with Betty, and his creation of the Abomination are all relevant to the new film.

Ross's journey from General to President, his involvement in the Sokovia Accords, and his encounters with other heroes are recounted. His transformation into Red Hulk, a pivotal plot point, is likely connected to his pursuit of adamantium and his attempt to secure national security.

The film explores a more nuanced Ross, a diplomat seeking reconciliation with his daughter and cooperation with the Avengers. However, his transformation into Red Hulk suggests a desperate measure to protect the nation, potentially involving a deal with The Leader. The geopolitical implications of adamantium are also central to his actions.

Where Is the Hulk in Brave New World?

The absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner/Hulk is the only significant difference between Brave New World and a true Incredible Hulk sequel. While a cameo isn't impossible, his current status as a powerful, integrated being and his potential involvement with his son, Skaar, might explain his absence. His involvement might be saved for Avengers: Doomsday.

Do you think Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will appear in Captain America: Brave New World?

Yes, he'll show up to help Cap fight Red Hulk.Yes, but only as a quick cameo.No, he won't be in this movie.