*Captain America: Brave New World* marks a significant milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as it introduces Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, stepping into the iconic role previously held by Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This fourth installment in the Captain America series not only continues the legacy of the superhero but also ties up loose ends from one of the earliest MCU films, *The Incredible Hulk*. In essence, *Brave New World* serves as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* in all but name, bringing back key characters and unresolved storylines.
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 character, Samuel Sterns, setting the stage for his transformation into The Leader, a formidable villain in the Hulk's universe. In the film, Sterns collaborates with Bruce Banner, played by Edward Norton, to find a cure for the Hulk. However, his ambition leads him to experiment with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood, hinting at his future as The Leader.
After Banner's arrest, Emil Blonsky coerces Sterns into transforming him into another Hulk-like creature. During this process, Sterns is injured, and Banner's blood enters an open wound on his forehead, initiating his transformation into The Leader. This pivotal moment, which comic fans recognize as the birth of a genius-level adversary to the Hulk, is finally explored in Brave New World.
Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross
Alongside The Leader, Brave New World sees the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, marking her first appearance in the MCU since The Incredible Hulk. Betty, the daughter of General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, was deeply involved in the events of the earlier film, having a romantic and professional history with Bruce Banner. Their relationship was strained by Banner's transformation into the Hulk and General Ross's relentless pursuit of him.
Betty's expertise in gamma research and her complex relationship with her father could play a significant role in Brave New World. While her exact involvement remains undisclosed, the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk, as seen in the comics, adds an intriguing layer to her character's potential arc.
Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk
The most compelling evidence that Brave New World is a sequel to The Incredible Hulk is the central role of Harrison Ford as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, now the President of the United States. Ford takes over the role from the late William Hurt, who portrayed Ross in several MCU films starting with The Incredible Hulk.
In the earlier film, Ross was a key antagonist, obsessed with capturing the Hulk and harnessing his power for military purposes. His actions led to the creation of the Abomination and strained his relationship with his daughter, Betty. Over the years, Ross's character evolved from a military general to the Secretary of Defense, playing a pivotal role in the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War.
In Brave New World, Ross's transformation into Red Hulk is a major plot point. As President, he seeks to initiate a new era of cooperation with the Avengers, led by Sam Wilson. However, an assassination attempt and his subsequent transformation into Red Hulk draw Captain America into a deep conspiracy. Ross's pursuit of adamantium, a newly introduced super-metal, adds another layer of intrigue to the story.
Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?
Despite the strong connections to The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, is notably absent from Brave New World. While his presence would add significant weight to the narrative, especially given his history with Ross and Sterns, it appears that Banner's role, if any, might be limited to a cameo or a post-credits scene.
Banner's journey in the MCU has seen him evolve from a fugitive to a respected member of the Avengers. His experiences on Sakaar and his battle with Thanos have led to a merger of his human and Hulk personas, making him a formidable force. However, with his focus on his new family, including his cousin Jen Walters (She-Hulk) and son Skaar, Banner's absence from Brave New World is understandable.
As Captain America: Brave New World unfolds, it promises to be a thrilling continuation of the MCU, weaving together old threads with new challenges. The film not only introduces a new Captain America but also revisits the legacy of The Incredible Hulk, making it a must-watch for fans eager to see how these stories intertwine.
