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 expands on plot threads from The Incredible Hulk, effectively serving as its sequel.

This connection is evident through the return of key characters: Harrison Ford's Thunderbolt Ross, Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader, and Liv Tyler's Betty Ross. Let's examine their history and their roles in making Brave New World an unofficial Hulk 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, hinting at his future as a significant antagonist. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' overzealous experiments with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood led to his transformation. A crucial scene shows gamma-irradiated blood entering an open wound on Sterns' forehead, causing his head to swell and begin transforming. This sets the stage for his evolution into The Leader, a gamma-powered intellect. Brave New World finally delivers on this long-awaited transformation.

Sterns' whereabouts between The Incredible Hulk and Brave New World are explained in the MCU-canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, which depicts his capture by Black Widow and subsequent imprisonment by S.H.I.E.L.D. His escape and involvement in the conspiracy surrounding Captain America and President Ross remain largely mysterious, though his potential connection to Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in the newly introduced adamantium are plausible. As The Leader, his enhanced intellect makes him a formidable foe.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another significant connection to The Incredible Hulk. Their past relationship and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, where she helped Banner survive his gamma radiation exposure, are revisited. Her complicated relationship with her father, fueled by his obsession with Banner, is also a key element. Betty's role in Brave New World remains undisclosed, though her expertise in gamma research and her comic book counterpart's transformation into Red She-Hulk suggest intriguing possibilities.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross is the most obvious link to The Incredible Hulk. Ross's history as a military man overseeing Project Gamma Pulse and his relentless pursuit of Banner are well-established. His creation of the Abomination through his alliance with Emil Blonsky is also a crucial part of his past. In Brave New World, Ross's presidency, following the events of Secret Invasion, and his transformation into Red Hulk are central to the plot. This transformation suggests a Faustian bargain with The Leader, mirroring the comic books, though his lack of secrecy about being Red Hulk is a departure.

Director Julius Onah highlights the evolution of Ross's character, from a "thunderous" figure driven by anger to an elder statesman seeking reconciliation and cooperation with the Avengers. His pursuit of adamantium, the newly introduced super-metal, adds another layer to the geopolitical intrigue.

The Absence of Hulk

The only element preventing Brave New World from being a direct sequel to The Incredible Hulk is the absence of Hulk himself. While Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner's presence isn't confirmed, his potential cameo remains a possibility. His absence might be explained by his involvement with his expanding Hulk family, including Jen Walters and Skaar, as seen in She-Hulk.

The film's focus on the conspiracy involving Ross, The Leader, and the introduction of adamantium creates a compelling narrative, even without Hulk's direct involvement. However, his absence leaves room for speculation and anticipation for future appearances.