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 story, it significantly revisits plot points from the first MCU film, effectively serving as The Incredible Hulk 2.

This sequel-in-disguise features 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.

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, foreshadowing his transformation into The Leader. Sterns, initially an ally to Bruce Banner, becomes obsessed with gamma research, exhibiting less ethical considerations than Banner. After Blonsky's transformation, Banner's blood contaminates Sterns, initiating his evolution into The Leader.

The MCU's continuation of this arc occurs in Brave New World. The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week (MCU canon comic) reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s apprehension of Sterns, who subsequently escapes and becomes central to the film's conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. His potential involvement in Ross's Red Hulk transformation and exploitation of the newly introduced adamantium are key plot points.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross:

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another Incredible Hulk reunion. Their past relationship, Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, and her strained relationship with her father are all relevant to the narrative. Betty's potential role in Brave New World, including the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk, remains uncertain.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk:

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding William Hurt, is a central element highlighting the film's connection to The Incredible Hulk. Ross's history as an antagonist to Bruce Banner, his role in creating the Abomination, and his involvement in the Sokovia Accords are all revisited. His recent election as President and subsequent transformation into Red Hulk are pivotal plot developments.

Director Julius Onah describes Ross's character arc as a transition from a "thunderous" figure to an "elder statesman" seeking reconciliation with his daughter and cooperation with the Avengers. His transformation into Red Hulk, potentially driven by a desire to control adamantium, creates a significant conflict with Captain America.

The Absence of the Hulk:

The notable absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is the only factor preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2. While a cameo isn't ruled out, Banner's current involvement with his family of Hulks (Jen Walters and Skaar) might explain his absence. His potential reaction to Ross's transformation and Sterns' return remains a point of speculation.