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. While focusing on Captain America's continued MCU journey, this film significantly expands on plot threads from the very first MCU movie, 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 history and how Brave New World weaves their stories together.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

4 Images

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 unethical experimentation with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood ultimately lead to his transformation. Comic book fans know this sets the stage for The Leader's emergence as a formidable intellect, a storyline finally addressed in Brave New World.

The MCU's explanation for Sterns' absence is revealed in The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week (a canon MCU comic). Black Widow apprehended Sterns, placing him in S.H.I.E.L.D. custody. His escape and involvement in the conspiracy surrounding Captain America and President Ross are central to the film's plot. His potential role in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk, and his possible interest in adamantium, add layers of intrigue. As The Leader, his superhuman intelligence makes him a significant threat.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another significant connection to The Incredible Hulk. Their college romance and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, creating the formula that allowed Banner's survival, are revisited. Her complex relationship with her father, General Ross, and her support for Banner, despite the conflict with her father, are key elements of her character arc.

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

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross is the most obvious link to The Incredible Hulk. Taking over from William Hurt, Ford's Ross, now President of the United States, is a central figure. His past antagonism towards Bruce Banner, his role in creating the Abomination, and his attempts to control the Hulk are all relevant to his current arc. His transformation into Red Hulk adds another layer of complexity.

Director Julius Onah highlights the evolution of Ross' character, from a "thunderous" figure to an elder statesman seeking reconciliation with his daughter and cooperation with the Avengers. His transformation into Red Hulk, likely a strategic move to protect the country and control adamantium, is a significant plot point. The introduction of adamantium to the MCU and its geopolitical implications are also explored.

The Absence of Hulk

The only element preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2 is the absence of Bruce Banner/Hulk. While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk isn't featured prominently, the film's plot points strongly suggest his absence is intentional, potentially due to his current family responsibilities (including his son, Skaar). His potential cameo or mention remains a possibility.

The film's narrative focuses on the conflict between Captain America and a Hulked-out President Ross, with The Leader's machinations adding to the complexity. The absence of Hulk, however, leaves the door open for his future involvement in the MCU, possibly in Avengers: Doomsday.