*Captain America: Brave New World* marks the fourth installment in the iconic Marvel franchise and introduces Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, succeeding Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film not only continues the Captain America saga within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also ties up numerous loose ends from the early MCU film, *The Incredible Hulk*. In essence, *Brave New World* serves as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* in all but name, featuring key characters from the 2008 film.
Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images
4 Images
Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader
In The Incredible Hulk, Tim Blake Nelson's character, Samuel Sterns, was introduced as a potential major antagonist for the Hulk, a plotline that Brave New World finally resolves. Initially, Sterns collaborates with Bruce Banner from a distance to find a cure for the Hulk. Their eventual face-to-face meeting reveals Sterns' unethical zeal in experimenting with Banner’s gamma-irradiated blood, hinting at his future villainy.
After Banner's arrest, Emil Blonsky coerces Sterns into transforming him into another Hulk-like entity. During this process, Banner's blood accidentally enters a wound on Sterns' forehead, initiating his transformation into The Leader, a gamma-powered genius adversary to the Hulk. Although this transformation was teased in The Incredible Hulk, it is only in Brave New World that we see its full impact.
Alongside The Leader, Liv Tyler's Betty Ross, another character from The Incredible Hulk, returns in Brave New World. Betty and Bruce Banner's romantic and professional relationship began in college, where she helped develop the primer that allowed Banner to survive his initial gamma radiation exposure. Their bond was tested by General Ross's relentless pursuit of Banner, which strained Betty's already complex relationship with her father.
In The Incredible Hulk, Betty, now dating Dr. Leonard Samson, rekindles her connection with Banner, aiding him in his quest to cure his condition. However, their reunion is short-lived as Banner resumes his fugitive lifestyle, leaving Betty's fate in the MCU uncertain until now. Her temporary disappearance during the Snap in Avengers: Infinity War adds another layer to her narrative.
Tyler's return as Betty in Brave New World is anticipated, though her exact role remains undisclosed. Speculation suggests she might reconcile with her father, now President, or contribute her gamma research expertise. Fans also wonder if Brave New World will explore Betty's transformation into Red She-Hulk, as seen in the comics.
Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk ---------------------------------------The most telling sign of Brave New World being a sequel to The Incredible Hulk is the prominent role of Harrison Ford as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding the late William Hurt. In The Incredible Hulk, General Ross, obsessed with controlling the Hulk, inadvertently creates the Abomination while pursuing Banner. His military background and personal vendetta against Banner shaped his character until his transformation into the President of the United States in Brave New World.
Director Julius Onah describes the new Ross as an elder statesman seeking to right the wrongs of his past and reconnect with his estranged daughter. His presidency, driven by public fear of alien threats following Secret Invasion, aims to foster cooperation with the Avengers. However, after surviving an assassination attempt, Ross transforms into Red Hulk, embroiling Captain America in a conspiracy involving adamantium and The Leader.
The introduction of adamantium in Brave New World not only promises to escalate the geopolitical tensions within the MCU but also sets the stage for future narratives involving this powerful metal.
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 a cameo or post-credits scene could still feature him, the film's narrative focuses on Captain America's confrontation with Red Hulk and The Leader without Banner's direct involvement.
Since The Incredible Hulk, Banner has evolved significantly within the MCU, merging with his Hulk persona and becoming a key figure in the Avengers' efforts to protect Earth. His absence might be explained by his focus on his new family, including his cousin Jen Walters (She-Hulk) and his son Skaar, introduced in the She-Hulk series.
While fans eagerly await Banner's potential involvement in future MCU projects, such as Avengers: Doomsday, Brave New World remains a thrilling continuation of the Captain America saga, deeply rooted in the legacy of The Incredible Hulk.
