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 one of the earliest MCU films, effectively functioning 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 history and how Brave New World ties into 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, hinting at his future as a major antagonist. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' overzealous experiments with Banner's blood led to his transformation into The Leader. This transformation, only now fully realized in Brave New World, sees Sterns gain superhuman intelligence.
His whereabouts between The Incredible Hulk and Brave New World are explained in the MCU-canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, showing his capture by Black Widow. His escape and involvement in a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross remain largely mysterious, though his role in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk is highly probable. The Leader's potential involvement with the newly introduced adamantium is also a compelling possibility.
Liv Tyler's Betty Ross
Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another significant link to The Incredible Hulk. Their past relationship, her involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, and her complex dynamic with her father are all relevant to the Brave New World narrative. Her role in the film remains undisclosed, but her expertise in gamma radiation and the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk, as in the comics, are intriguing prospects.
Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk
Harrison Ford's portrayal of President Ross is the most obvious indication of Brave New World's connection to The Incredible Hulk. Ross's history, from his antagonism towards Banner in The Incredible Hulk to his role in Captain America: Civil War, Black Widow, and Infinity War, sets the stage for his transformation into Red Hulk. The film depicts Ross's election as President and his subsequent involvement in a conspiracy, culminating in his transformation. Director Julius Onah highlights the shift in Ross's character, from a "thunderous" figure to a more diplomatic elder statesman.
The introduction of adamantium adds another layer to the plot, with Ross's ambition to control this powerful metal driving the conflict.
Hulk's Absence
The only element preventing Brave New World from being definitively titled The Incredible Hulk 2 is the absence of Hulk himself. While Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner's absence is notable, it's not entirely unexpected given his current involvement with other storylines, including his family of Hulks. His potential cameo remains a possibility.
