*Captain America: Brave New World* marks a significant milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as it introduces Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, stepping into the iconic role previously held by Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This fourth installment in the Captain America series not only continues the legacy of the superhero but also ties up loose ends from one of the earliest MCU films, *The Incredible Hulk*. In essence, *Brave New World* serves as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* in all but name, bringing back key characters and unresolved storylines.
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 character, Samuel Sterns, setting the stage for his transformation into The Leader, a formidable villain in the Hulk's universe. In the film, Sterns collaborates with Bruce Banner, played by Edward Norton, to find a cure for the Hulk. Their collaboration takes a dark turn when Sterns becomes overly ambitious with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood, hinting at his future as The Leader.
After Banner's arrest, Emil Blonsky coerces Sterns into transforming him into another Hulk-like creature. During this process, Sterns is injured, and Banner's blood seeps into his wound, initiating his transformation into The Leader. Although this plot point was left hanging in The Incredible Hulk, Brave New World finally picks up this thread.
Alongside The Leader, Brave New World sees the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, marking her first appearance in the MCU since The Incredible Hulk. Betty, who was romantically involved with Bruce Banner during their college years, played a crucial role in the gamma research that led to Banner's transformation into the Hulk. Her relationship with her father, General Thaddeus Ross, was strained due to his obsession with capturing Banner.
In The Incredible Hulk, Betty, now dating Dr. Leonard Samson, still supports Banner in his quest for a cure. However, their reunion is short-lived as Banner resumes his fugitive life, leaving Betty's fate uncertain until now. Her return in Brave New World raises questions about her current relationship with her father, now President Ross, and whether her expertise in gamma research will play a role in the story. Fans are also curious if the film will explore her comic book transformation into Red She-Hulk.
Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk ---------------------------------------The most compelling evidence that Brave New World is a sequel to The Incredible Hulk is the central role of Harrison Ford as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, taking over from the late William Hurt. In The Incredible Hulk, Ross, a military general, was obsessed with controlling the Hulk, leading to the creation of the Abomination. His relentless pursuit of Banner strained his relationship with his daughter, Betty.
Ross's journey through the MCU saw him evolve from a general to the Secretary of Defense in Captain America: Civil War, where he enforced the Sokovia Accords. His subsequent appearances in Black Widow and Avengers: Infinity War showcased his ongoing struggle with superhuman threats. In Brave New World, Ross has become the President of the United States, aiming to foster cooperation with the Avengers, particularly Sam Wilson.
However, an assassination attempt on Ross leads to his transformation into Red Hulk, a twist that ties back to his history with gamma radiation and The Leader. This development, coupled with the introduction of adamantium, sets the stage for a complex geopolitical narrative. Director Julius Onah emphasizes Ross's evolution from a man driven by anger to a statesman seeking redemption and reconciliation with his daughter.
Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World? -------------------------------------Despite Brave New World being heavily connected to The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, is notably absent from the film. Since his last appearance, Banner has evolved significantly, merging with the Hulk to become a more balanced entity. His role in the MCU has shifted from a fugitive to a respected member of the Avengers, and he has even started a family with his cousin Jen Walters (She-Hulk) and son Skaar.
While it would make sense for Banner to be involved in the events of Brave New World, especially given his history with Ross and The Leader, it appears he will not play a significant role. Any potential appearance might be limited to a post-credits scene, as Banner is likely occupied with his new family and other MCU commitments.
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