Captain America: Brave New World Is Secretly an Incredible Hulk Sequel News - Latest Updates and Information

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 quasi-sequel to The Incredible Hulk. This isn't just a continuation of the Captain America saga; it directly addresses unresolved plot threads from the earlier film. Let's examine the returning characters and why Brave New World feels like 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, subtly hinting at his future villainy as The Leader – a reveal finally realized in Brave New World. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' ambition outweighed his ethics. His overzealous experimentation with Banner's blood led to his transformation. A sample of Banner's blood contaminating an open wound caused Sterns' head to swell and mutate, foreshadowing his evolution into The Leader, a gamma-powered intellect rivaling the Hulk's strength.

Sterns' transformation into The Leader was only partially shown in the previous film.

Sterns' whereabouts after The Incredible Hulk are explained in the MCU-canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, depicting his capture by Black Widow. His escape and subsequent involvement in a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross remain largely mysterious, though his role in Ross's transformation into Red Hulk is likely. His potential interest in adamantium, a newly introduced MCU element, also presents a compelling storyline. As The Leader, Sterns' superhuman intellect makes him a formidable opponent.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross

Another returning character from The Incredible Hulk is Liv Tyler's Betty Ross. Their college romance and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, where she aided Banner's survival, are revisited. Her father's obsessive hatred of Banner, stemming from events surrounding Banner's transformation, significantly impacted their relationship. While Betty moved on, she remained supportive of Banner in his quest for a cure.

Betty's story after The Incredible Hulk is largely unknown, except for her temporary erasure by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. Her role in Brave New World remains a mystery, though her gamma research expertise and potential transformation into Red She-Hulk (as in the comics) are possibilities.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

The central figure linking Brave New World to The Incredible Hulk is Harrison Ford's Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, inheriting the role from the late William Hurt. Initially an antagonist to Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk, Ross oversaw Project Gamma Pulse, aiming to create a superior Super Soldier Serum. His relentless pursuit of the Hulk, even at the cost of his relationship with his daughter, is a key element of his character.

Ross's actions in creating the Abomination and his subsequent interactions with Tony Stark, detailed in the short film The Consultant, are significant. His later roles in Captain America: Civil War, Black Widow, Infinity War, and Endgame showcase his evolution. Now President, Ross seeks reconciliation with Sam Wilson, but a conspiracy involving an assassination attempt and his transformation into Red Hulk complicates matters.

Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, potentially a deal with The Leader, and his pursuit of adamantium highlight the film's geopolitical themes. The director, Julius Onah, emphasizes Ross's evolution from a "thunderous" figure to an elder statesman seeking redemption.

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 a direct Incredible Hulk sequel. While a cameo isn't ruled out, Banner's current situation – a merged being with newfound control, and a growing family of Hulks including his son Skaar – might explain his absence. His focus on other matters could leave Cap to handle Red Hulk and The Leader alone, at least until Avengers: Doomsday.