*Captain America: Brave New World* marks the fourth installment in the iconic Marvel franchise, and it's the first time we're seeing Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson take the helm as Captain America, stepping into the role previously held by Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. While the film continues the saga of Captain America within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it also ties up numerous loose threads from one of the earliest MCU entries, *The Incredible Hulk*. In fact, *Brave New World* serves as an unofficial sequel to *The Incredible Hulk*, bringing back characters and storylines that have been simmering since 2008.
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 pivotal figure in Hulk's narrative, setting the stage for his eventual transformation into the villain known as The Leader. Sterns initially collaborates with Edward Norton's Bruce Banner, aiding him in his quest to find a cure for his Hulk transformations. However, their meeting reveals Sterns' ambitious nature and lack of ethical boundaries, hinting at his darker future.
The film culminates in Sterns' exposure to Banner's gamma-irradiated blood, triggering his transformation into The Leader. Though this plot point was left hanging, Brave New World finally picks up this thread, exploring Sterns' evolution and his role in a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. It's suggested that Sterns might be behind Ross' transformation into Red Hulk, a twist that aligns with comic book lore. Additionally, his interest in the newly introduced adamantium could set the stage for a global power struggle, leveraging his superhuman intelligence against Captain America and Falcon.
Alongside The Leader, Brave New World also brings back Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, marking her return to the MCU since The Incredible Hulk. Betty, the daughter of General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, was deeply involved in Banner's life and his transformation into the Hulk. Their relationship was strained by her father's relentless pursuit of Banner, yet she remained a key ally in his quest for a cure.
Since The Incredible Hulk, Betty's story has been largely untold, aside from her being one of the victims of Thanos' snap in Avengers: Infinity War. Her role in Brave New World remains shrouded in mystery, though her expertise in gamma research could be crucial. There's also the possibility that she might follow her comic book counterpart and become Red She-Hulk, adding another layer to the film's narrative.
Betty's return could signify a reconciliation with her father, now President Ross, and her involvement might extend beyond personal matters to the larger plot involving gamma research and adamantium.
The most telling sign that Brave New World is a sequel to The Incredible Hulk is its focus on Harrison Ford's Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, who takes over the role from the late William Hurt. Ross, a key antagonist in The Incredible Hulk, has a long history in the MCU, from his initial pursuit of Banner to his role in enforcing the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War.
In Brave New World, Ross has ascended to the presidency, driven by public fear of alien threats post-Secret Invasion. His character arc sees him attempting to turn a new leaf, seeking to mend his relationship with his estranged daughter and foster cooperation with the Avengers. However, an assassination attempt leads to his transformation into Red Hulk, a move that aligns with his comic book persona but adds a new layer of intrigue.
Ross's transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in adamantium suggest a complex plot involving national security and global power dynamics. His journey from a military general to a president grappling with superhuman threats encapsulates the film's theme of a "Brave New World."
Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?
While Brave New World feels like a direct continuation of The Incredible Hulk, the titular Hulk, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, is notably absent from the main narrative. Although there's no official word on his involvement, a cameo or a post-credits scene could be in the cards, given the film's connections to Hulk's world.
Since The Incredible Hulk, Banner has evolved significantly, merging his human and Hulk personas into a single, more controlled entity. His journey through the MCU has seen him join the Avengers, endure exile on Sakaar, and confront Thanos. His current status as a respected superhero and a member of the Hulk family, including his cousin Jen Walters (She-Hulk) and son Skaar, might explain his absence from the film.
In the meantime, fans eagerly await Avengers: Doomsday in 2026, where the full roster of Earth's Mightiest Heroes might reunite, potentially including Banner and his Hulk family.
Do you think we’ll see Hulk put in an appearance in Brave New World? Vote in our poll and let us know what you think in the comments below.
AnswerSee Results For more on the future of the Marvel Universe, find out what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and see every Marvel movie and series in development.
