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 upon plot threads from the very first MCU film, 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 compelling 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, an ally to Bruce Banner, assisting in the search for a Hulk cure. Their face-to-face meeting reveals Sterns' overzealous experimentation with Banner's blood, foreshadowing his lack of ethical boundaries. Sterns' subsequent injury and exposure to Banner's gamma-irradiated blood initiates his transformation into The Leader, a highly intelligent gamma-powered villain.
Brave New World finally delivers on this long-awaited transformation. The comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s capture of Sterns, his subsequent escape, and his central role in the film's conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. His involvement in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk, and his potential interest in adamantium, position him as a formidable threat.
Liv Tyler's Betty Ross
Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another significant link to The Incredible Hulk. Their college romance and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, creating the primer that saved Banner, are revisited. Her relationship with her father, further strained by his obsession with Banner, is a key element.
Betty's role in Brave New World remains largely unknown, though her expertise in gamma research and her potential transformation into Red She-Hulk (as depicted 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 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 Avengers: Infinity War, is crucial to understanding his current position as President of the United States.
The film depicts Ross's attempt at reconciliation with Sam Wilson, only to be thwarted by a conspiracy that leads to his transformation into Red Hulk. His pursuit of adamantium further complicates the narrative.
Director Julius Onah highlights Ross's evolution from a "thunderous" figure to an elder statesman seeking redemption and cooperation with the Avengers. This internal conflict, coupled with his transformation into Red Hulk and his pursuit of adamantium, creates a compelling character arc.
The Absence of Hulk
The only element preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2 is the absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner/Hulk. While a cameo isn't entirely ruled out, Banner's current responsibilities—potentially involving his son, Skaar, and his ongoing role as a protector of Earth—could explain his absence. This leaves the question of how Captain America will confront Red Hulk and The Leader without the Hulk's assistance.
