"Captain America: Brave New World" marks the fourth installment in the iconic Marvel franchise, spotlighting Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, stepping into the role previously held by Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film not only progresses the narrative of Captain America within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also ties up loose threads from one of the earliest MCU films, "The Incredible Hulk," making it a de facto sequel.
With the return of key characters from "The Incredible Hulk" such as Harrison Ford's Thunderbolt Ross, Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader, and Liv Tyler's Betty Ross, "Brave New World" is poised to be a thrilling continuation of the Hulk's story arc. Let's delve into the history of these characters and explore why this movie is essentially "The Incredible Hulk 2" in all but name.
Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images
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Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader
In "The Incredible Hulk," Tim Blake Nelson's character, Samuel Sterns, was introduced as a potential future villain. Initially an ally to Edward Norton's Bruce Banner, Sterns was captivated by the potential of gamma research for scientific acclaim, hinting at a lack of ethical boundaries. His transformation into The Leader, a super-intelligent gamma-powered villain, was foreshadowed when Banner's blood caused a mutation on Sterns' forehead.
Although Sterns' evolution into The Leader was shown, his story was left unresolved until "Brave New World." According to the comic "The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week," which is canon to the MCU, Sterns was taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody. However, he eventually escaped and is now central to the conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. Sterns might be linked to Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and could be eyeing adamantium, a new, unbreakable metal that could spark a global arms race.
Sterns was just beginning to transform into The Leader when last we saw him.
Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross
Alongside The Leader, "Brave New World" brings back Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, marking her first MCU appearance since "The Incredible Hulk." Betty, who was romantically involved with Bruce Banner and played a key role in his transformation into the Hulk, has had a tumultuous relationship with her father, General Ross.
After the events of "The Incredible Hulk," Betty's life took a backseat in the MCU, though she was affected by Thanos' snap in "Avengers: Infinity War." Her role in "Brave New World" remains under wraps, but speculation abounds about her involvement in the plot, potentially related to her gamma research or her father's transformation into Red Hulk. In the comics, Betty becomes Red She-Hulk, raising questions about whether this will be explored in the film.
Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk
The most significant connection to "The Incredible Hulk" in "Brave New World" is Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding the late William Hurt. Originally introduced as a general obsessed with controlling the Hulk, Ross's journey through the MCU has seen him evolve from antagonist to Secretary of Defense and now President of the United States.
Ross's tenure as president is thrust into turmoil when he survives an assassination attempt and transforms into the Red Hulk, a twist that ties directly into his history with Banner and The Leader. This transformation is not just a personal change but also a strategic move to gain control over adamantium, a new element that could shift global power dynamics.
Ross's story arc in "Brave New World" is about redemption and transformation, as he attempts to redefine himself and his relationship with the Avengers, particularly Sam Wilson's Captain America. Director Julius Onah emphasized Ross's journey as one of growth and reconciliation, especially with his estranged daughter, Betty.
Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?
Despite the deep ties to "The Incredible Hulk," Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, aka The Hulk, is notably absent from "Brave New World." While his presence would add significant muscle to Captain America's fight against Red Hulk, the film seems to focus on other characters. Banner's absence could be explained by his current focus on his family of Hulks, including his cousin Jen Walters (She-Hulk) and his son Skaar.
Ruffalo makes a brief appearance as Bruce Banner in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Banner's involvement with his family and his role as a key defender of Earth alongside Wong might explain his absence, but fans speculate about a possible cameo or a post-credits scene that could set up future storylines.
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