*Captain America: Brave New World* marks a significant milestone as the fourth installment in the long-standing Marvel franchise, heralding the debut of Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, succeeding Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers. This film not only advances the narrative of Captain America within the MCU but also ties up numerous loose threads from one of the earliest entries in the franchise, *The Incredible Hulk*. Essentially, *Brave New World* serves as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* in all but name, bringing back key characters and expanding their stories.
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, setting the stage for the emergence of The Leader, a major antagonist in Hulk’s saga. Initially, Sterns collaborates with Bruce Banner remotely to find a cure for the Hulk. However, upon meeting, Banner discovers Sterns' excessive zeal in experimenting with Banner’s gamma-irradiated blood, hinting at Sterns' ethical divergence.
After Banner’s arrest, Emil Blonsky coerces Sterns into transforming him into another Hulk, resulting in Sterns’ injury and exposure to Banner’s blood. This incident initiates Sterns' transformation into The Leader, a gamma-powered villain known for his superhuman intellect, a plotline finally explored in Brave New World.
Sterns, who was taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody as detailed in The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, eventually escapes and becomes central to the conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. His absence from marketing materials leaves much of his role ambiguous, though his likely involvement in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in the newly introduced adamantium are key aspects to watch.
Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross
Alongside The Leader, Liv Tyler returns as Betty Ross, marking her long-awaited reappearance since The Incredible Hulk. Betty’s history with Bruce Banner includes their college romance and collaboration on Project Gamma Pulse, which inadvertently led to Banner's transformation into the Hulk. Her strained relationship with her father, General Thaddeus Ross, and her past with Banner set the stage for her role in Brave New World.
Despite her temporary disappearance during Thanos’ snap in Avengers: Infinity War, Betty's return to the MCU in Brave New World remains shrouded in mystery. Her potential involvement in reconciling with her father, now President, or contributing her expertise in gamma research, as well as her possible transformation into Red She-Hulk, are eagerly anticipated developments.
Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk
The undeniable link to The Incredible Hulk is Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, taking over from the late William Hurt. Ross, initially introduced as a general obsessed with controlling the Hulk, evolves into the President of the United States in Brave New World. His journey from a military man to a statesman, aiming to redefine his legacy and mend ties with his daughter, sets the stage for his transformation into Red Hulk.
Ross's history includes his pivotal role in the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War, his pursuit of Natasha Romanoff in Black Widow, and his brief appearance in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. His latest endeavor in Brave New World involves fostering cooperation with the Avengers, only to be thrust into a conspiracy following an assassination attempt and his transformation into Red Hulk. His interest in controlling adamantium adds another layer to his ambitions.
Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?
Despite Brave New World being a spiritual successor to The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner, played by Mark Ruffalo, is conspicuously absent. While his inclusion could provide significant muscle against Red Hulk, and given his history with Ross, Betty, and Sterns, Banner's current commitments, including his family of Hulks and his role in safeguarding the planet, might explain his absence.
Banner’s journey from an outcast to a respected Avenger, his control over his Hulk persona, and his new family dynamics with Jen Walters (She-Hulk) and his son Skaar from Sakaar, suggest he might be preoccupied elsewhere during the events of Brave New World. However, fans might still hope for a surprise cameo or a post-credits tease.
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.
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