Captain America: Brave New World Is Secretly an Incredible Hulk Sequel

Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth film in the Marvel franchise, marks Anthony Mackie's debut as the lead, taking over from Chris Evans. Intriguingly, this new chapter isn't just a continuation of Captain America's story; it also serves as a long-awaited sequel to one of the MCU's earliest entries: The Incredible Hulk.

With the return of Harrison Ford as Thunderbolt Ross, Tim Blake Nelson as The Leader, and Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, Brave New World revisits key characters and unresolved plotlines from the original Hulk film. Let's delve into their history and explore why this Captain America installment feels remarkably like an Incredible Hulk sequel.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

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Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader

The Incredible Hulk subtly introduced Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, setting the stage for a future villain. Sterns, initially an ally to Bruce Banner, becomes fascinated by Banner's gamma-irradiated blood, displaying a less ethical approach to research than Banner. Their face-to-face encounter ends with Sterns inadvertently absorbing Banner's blood, initiating his transformation into The Leader.

The MCU's canon comic, The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week, reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s capture of Sterns. His escape and involvement in a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross are central to Brave New World. His potential connection to Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, and his possible interest in adamantium, hint at a significant role in the film's unfolding events. As The Leader, his superhuman intelligence makes him a formidable adversary.

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 helped Banner survive his transformation, are revisited. Her relationship with her father, complicated by his obsession with capturing Banner, is a key element of their story.

Betty's fate after The Incredible Hulk, including her temporary disappearance during Thanos' snap in Avengers: Infinity War, is finally addressed. Her role in Brave New World remains largely mysterious, but her expertise in gamma research and the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk in the film are intriguing possibilities.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross is a central element connecting Brave New World to The Incredible Hulk. His role as the main antagonist in the earlier film, his efforts to control the Hulk, and his creation of the Abomination are all relevant to the new film.

His journey from General Ross to Secretary of Defense and now President of the United States, along with his attempts to cooperate with the Avengers and his subsequent transformation into Red Hulk, form the core narrative. His ambition to control adamantium further intertwines the plot with global power struggles. Director Julius Onah highlights the evolution of Ross from a "thunderous" figure to a more nuanced, complex character.

His transformation into Red Hulk, possibly a result of a deal with The Leader, and his efforts to control adamantium, form the heart of the conspiracy. The film explores the geopolitical implications of this new super-metal and its potential impact on global power dynamics.

Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?

The absence of Mark Ruffalo's Hulk is the only significant difference preventing Brave New World from being definitively labeled The Incredible Hulk 2. While a cameo appearance remains a possibility, Banner's current involvement with a family of Hulks, including his son Skaar, might explain his absence. His focus on other matters leaves Captain America to confront Red Hulk and The Leader alone, at least for now. The film's ending might hint at Banner's future involvement, potentially in Avengers: Doomsday.