Captain America Returns for a Hulkish Sequel

Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise and the first starring Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, unexpectedly serves as a sequel to The Incredible Hulk. This isn't just a continuation of the Captain America storyline; it directly addresses unresolved plot threads from the earlier film.

This connection stems from the return of several key characters from The Incredible Hulk: Harrison Ford's Thunderbolt Ross, Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader, and Liv Tyler's Betty Ross. Let's delve into their history and how Brave New World functions as an Incredible Hulk sequel in all but name.

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, a character whose transformation into The Leader is finally realized in Brave New World. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' overzealous experimentation with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood led to his own transformation. This foreshadowed his evolution into the intelligent villain known as The Leader in the comics. The MCU's follow-up on this pivotal moment only occurs now.

A comic book, The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, reveals Sterns' capture by Black Widow and subsequent confinement within S.H.I.E.L.D. His escape and involvement in the conspiracy surrounding Captain America and President Ross are central to Brave New World. His potential role in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and his possible interest in adamantium, a new element introduced in the film, remain intriguing mysteries.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another significant link to The Incredible Hulk. Their college romance and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, where she aided Banner's survival, are revisited. Her complex relationship with her father, further strained by Banner's transformation, is a key element. While Betty moved on and dated Dr. Leonard Samson, her connection to Banner and her father's obsession remain crucial. Her absence from the MCU since The Incredible Hulk (excluding her temporary disappearance due to Thanos' snap) adds weight to her reappearance in Brave New World. The possibility of her role in gamma research and her potential transformation into Red She-Hulk add layers of intrigue.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

The most overt connection to The Incredible Hulk is the central role of Harrison Ford's Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding William Hurt. Ross's antagonistic relationship with Bruce Banner, his oversight of Project Gamma Pulse, and his relentless pursuit of the Hulk are all revisited. His alliance with Emil Blonsky, leading to the creation of the Abomination, and his subsequent attempts to control the Hulk are significant plot points. His interactions with Tony Stark and his involvement in the Sokovia Accords are also recalled. His election as President of the United States after the events of Secret Invasion and his transformation into Red Hulk are pivotal moments in Brave New World.

Director Julius Onah highlights the evolution of Ross's character, from a "thunderous" military man to an elder statesman seeking reconciliation with his daughter and cooperation with the Avengers. His transformation into Red Hulk and his pursuit of adamantium further solidify the film's connection to the Incredible Hulk storyline.

The Absence of the Hulk

The only element separating Brave New World from being a direct Incredible Hulk sequel is the absence of Bruce Banner/Hulk. While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk is not featured prominently, his absence is explained by his current responsibilities, including his family of Hulks (Jen Walters and Skaar). His potential cameo or post-credits appearance remains a possibility.

Do you think Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will appear in Captain America: Brave New World?

Yes, he'll show up to help Cap fight Red Hulk.Yes, but only as a quick cameo.No, he won't be in this movie.AnswerSee Results