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, succeeding Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film, however, isn't just a continuation of the Captain America storyline; it significantly expands on plot threads from The Incredible Hulk, effectively serving as its sequel.

This connection is evident through the return of several key characters: 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 intertwines with the Hulk saga.

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. Sterns, initially an ally to Bruce Banner, becomes obsessed with gamma radiation research, displaying a disregard for ethics that contrasts with Banner's. A crucial scene shows Sterns exposed to Banner's blood, initiating his transformation. Brave New World finally delivers on this long-awaited development.

The Leader's whereabouts since The Incredible Hulk are explained in The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week (MCU canon comic), revealing his capture by Black Widow and subsequent imprisonment within S.H.I.E.L.D. His escape and involvement in a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross are central to Brave New World's plot. His potential involvement in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in adamantium (a newly introduced MCU element) are key plot points.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross:

Liv Tyler returns as Betty Ross, Bruce Banner's former love interest and daughter of Thunderbolt Ross. Her past involvement in Project Gamma Pulse and her complex relationship with her father are revisited. Her role in Brave New World remains largely undisclosed, but her expertise in gamma radiation and the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk (as in the comics) are intriguing possibilities.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk:

Harrison Ford takes over the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, a key antagonist from The Incredible Hulk. His relentless pursuit of the Hulk and his strained relationship with Betty are established. His transformation into Red Hulk, a significant development, is a central theme in Brave New World. The film depicts Ross's election as President and his attempts to reconcile with Sam Wilson, only to be drawn into a conspiracy that leads to his transformation.

The film explores Ross's attempt at a new approach, seeking cooperation with the Avengers, but his transformation into Red Hulk suggests a return to his aggressive nature. His pursuit of adamantium adds another layer to the plot.

The Absence of Hulk:

The notable 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 isn't ruled out, Banner's current focus on his family (including his son, Skaar) might explain his absence. This leaves the question of how the Hulk will be involved in future MCU installments.

Ultimately, Captain America: Brave New World presents a compelling narrative, intricately woven with the legacy of The Incredible Hulk, leaving audiences eager for the next chapter in this evolving saga.