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. This film, however, isn't just a continuation of the Captain America storyline; it significantly ties up loose ends from one of the MCU's earliest films, effectively serving as The Incredible Hulk 2.

This connection is established through 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 functions as a sequel.

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, foreshadowing his transformation into The Leader. Sterns, initially an ally to Bruce Banner, becomes obsessed with gamma research after exposure to Banner's blood. This sets the stage for his evolution into a formidable intellect-based villain, a storyline finally realized in Brave New World. The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week comic (MCU canon) reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s involvement with Sterns before his escape and subsequent role in the film's conspiracy. His potential involvement with Ross's transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in adamantium are key plot points.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross

Liv Tyler returns as Betty Ross, Bruce Banner's former love interest and a key figure in The Incredible Hulk. Their relationship, her father's animosity towards Banner, and her involvement in Project Gamma Pulse are all relevant to Brave New World. Betty's absence from the MCU since The Incredible Hulk (excluding her temporary erasure during Infinity War) makes her reappearance significant. Her potential reconciliation with her father, her gamma research expertise, and the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk are all open questions.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus Ross is central to Brave New World's connection to The Incredible Hulk. Ross's history of antagonism towards Banner, his role in creating the Abomination, and his ambition to control the Hulk are all revisited. His evolution from General Ross to President of the United States, following the events of Secret Invasion, and his subsequent transformation into Red Hulk are major plot drivers. The film explores Ross's attempt at reconciliation with Sam Wilson and his daughter, Betty, while also highlighting his pursuit of adamantium.

Director Julius Onah emphasizes the shift in Ross's character, from a "thunderous" figure to a more diplomatic statesman seeking to redefine himself.

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 is not prominently featured, the film's plot heavily involves the ramifications of his past actions and the characters he directly impacted. Banner's potential cameo or mention is still possible, especially considering his current role as a key Avenger and his family of Hulks. His absence may be explained by his off-world responsibilities with his son, Skaar.

The film leaves viewers wondering if Captain America can overcome the conspiracy involving Red Hulk and The Leader, and whether Hulk will make a future appearance.