*Captain America: Brave New World* marks a significant milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the fourth installment of the long-standing franchise, and the first to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson stepping into the iconic role of Captain America, rather than Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film not only continues the Captain America saga but also ties up loose threads from one of the earliest MCU films, effectively serving as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* in spirit.
The film brings back characters from *The Incredible Hulk*, such as Harrison Ford's Thunderbolt Ross, Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader, and Liv Tyler's Betty Ross, weaving them into the narrative of *Brave New World*. Let's delve into the background of these characters and explore why this movie can be seen as a continuation of the Hulk's story.
Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images
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Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader
The Incredible Hulk set the stage for the emergence of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns as the next major antagonist in the Hulk's universe. Initially introduced as a scientist working remotely with Edward Norton's Bruce Banner to find a cure for the Hulk, Sterns' ambitions and ethical boundaries become clear when he meets Banner face-to-face. His obsession with their gamma research hints at his future transformation into The Leader.
During the film, after Banner's capture, Emil Blonsky forces Sterns to transform him into another Hulk-like being. In the chaos, Sterns is injured, and Banner's gamma-irradiated blood seeps into an open wound on his forehead, sparking the beginning of his transformation into The Leader, a character known in comics for his superhuman intelligence and rivalry with the Hulk. This subplot is finally being picked up in Brave New World, years after The Incredible Hulk.
Alongside The Leader, Brave New World also sees the return of Liv Tyler's Betty Ross, marking her first appearance since The Incredible Hulk. Betty, who met and fell in love with Bruce Banner during their college days, played a crucial role in Project Gamma Pulse, inadvertently contributing to Banner's transformation into the Hulk. Her relationship with her father, General Ross, has been strained due to his obsession with capturing Banner.
In The Incredible Hulk, Betty had moved on with Dr. Leonard Samson but quickly came to Banner's aid when he reemerged. Despite their brief reunion, Banner's fugitive status forced them apart. Betty was among those affected by Thanos's snap in Avengers: Infinity War, and her return in Brave New World raises questions about her current relationship with her father, now President Ross, and her potential involvement in gamma research.
While her role in the film remains under wraps, there's speculation about whether she might become Red She-Hulk, as seen in the comics, or if she'll use her expertise to help navigate the gamma-related threats facing Captain America.
Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross in Brave New World is the most direct link to The Incredible Hulk. Initially introduced as a military general hellbent on controlling the Hulk, Ross's journey through the MCU has seen him evolve from an antagonist to a key political figure.
In The Incredible Hulk, Ross oversees Project Gamma Pulse, aiming to create a modern Super Soldier Serum, inadvertently leading to Banner's transformation. His relentless pursuit of Banner leads to the creation of the Abomination, further complicating his quest. Despite his failures, Ross's determination remains unwavering, as seen in his subsequent appearances across the MCU.
Ross's journey takes him from general to Secretary of Defense, where he drafts the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War, attempting to regulate the Avengers. He continues to play a pivotal role in the MCU, even surviving Thanos's snap and attending Tony Stark's funeral in Avengers: Endgame.
In Brave New World, Ross has become the President of the United States, a position he likely gained due to his military background and experience with superhuman threats. The film explores his attempt to redefine himself, seeking to mend his relationship with his daughter and work with the new Captain America, Sam Wilson. However, an assassination attempt leads to his transformation into Red Hulk, drawing him into a conspiracy involving The Leader and the coveted adamantium.
As in the comics, Ross's transformation into Red Hulk is a strategic move to protect his country, though it also ties him to The Leader's machinations. The introduction of adamantium adds another layer to the geopolitical tensions within the MCU, setting the stage for a new arms race.Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?
Despite Brave New World being a spiritual sequel to The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, is notably absent from the film. While there's no confirmation of his involvement, a cameo or post-credits scene featuring Banner could provide a connection to the Hulk's ongoing story in the MCU.
Banner's journey since The Incredible Hulk has been transformative. From joining the Avengers to gaining control over his Hulk persona, Banner has become a respected figure in the superhero community. His absence in Brave New World might be explained by his current focus on his family, including his cousin Jen Walters (She-Hulk) and his son Skaar, introduced in the She-Hulk series.
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