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. While focusing on Captain America's continued MCU journey, the film significantly revisits plot threads from the very first MCU movie, effectively serving as The Incredible Hulk 2.

This connection is evident through the return of 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 examine their history and how Brave New World functions as a sequel.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

4 Images

Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader

The Incredible Hulk introduced Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, foreshadowing his transformation into The Leader. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' overzealous experiments with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood led to his own transformation after exposure to Banner's blood. This sets up his evolution into the intellectually superior villain, a storyline finally realized in Brave New World.

The canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s capture of Sterns, explaining his absence. His escape and involvement in the film's conspiracy, potentially linked to Ross's Red Hulk transformation and the introduction of adamantium, makes him a formidable threat.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another Incredible Hulk reunion. Their past relationship and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, along with her complicated relationship with her father, are revisited. Her role in Brave New World remains largely unknown, though her expertise in gamma research and the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk (as in the comics) are intriguing prospects.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding William Hurt, is central to Brave New World's connection to The Incredible Hulk. Ross's history as an antagonist to Bruce Banner, his creation of the Abomination, and his ambition to control the Hulk are all relevant. His election as President and subsequent transformation into Red Hulk are pivotal plot points.

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. However, his transformation into Red Hulk and his pursuit of adamantium create a new conflict.

The Absence of Hulk

The only element preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2 is the absence of Bruce Banner/Hulk. While a cameo isn't ruled out, Mark Ruffalo's Hulk is notably absent. This absence could be explained by Banner's current family situation, including his son Skaar and his involvement in other matters, potentially leaving him unavailable to assist Captain America.

This leads to the question: Will we see Hulk in Brave New World? The film's focus on Red Hulk and The Leader, along with the introduction of adamantium, suggests a compelling storyline even without Hulk's direct involvement. However, his presence would undoubtedly amplify the conflict.