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

Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise and the first to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the lead, unexpectedly serves as a sequel to The Incredible Hulk. This is largely due to the return of key characters from the earlier film.

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, whose transformation into the intellectually superior villain, The Leader, is finally realized in Brave New World. Sterns' exposure to Bruce Banner's blood in The Incredible Hulk initiated his transformation. The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week comic (MCU canon) reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s capture and subsequent escape of Sterns, leading to his involvement in the film's central conspiracy. His potential connection to President Ross's Red Hulk transformation and his interest in adamantium are key plot points.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross: Liv Tyler returns as Betty Ross, Bruce Banner's former love interest and daughter of Thunderbolt Ross. Her past involvement in Project Gamma Pulse and her complex relationship with her father are revisited. Her role in Brave New World remains largely undisclosed, but her expertise in gamma radiation and the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk are intriguing possibilities.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk: Harrison Ford takes over the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, a pivotal character from The Incredible Hulk. His evolution from General Ross to President of the United States, fueled by a fear of superhuman threats, is a key storyline. The film explores his attempts at reconciliation with Sam Wilson and his unexpected transformation into the Red Hulk, possibly through a deal with The Leader. His pursuit of control over adamantium further emphasizes the film's connection to the themes of The Incredible Hulk.

The Absence of Hulk: The notable absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner (Hulk) is the primary reason Brave New World isn't explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2. While his inclusion would be logical given the storyline, his current involvement with a growing Hulk family and other ongoing MCU responsibilities might explain his absence. A potential cameo remains a possibility.

Adamantium's Introduction: The introduction of adamantium, a significant element in Marvel comics, adds another layer to the plot, creating a global power struggle and providing further opportunities for conflict.

The film's central conflict revolves around the conspiracy involving President Ross, The Leader, and the newly introduced adamantium, creating a compelling narrative that builds upon the groundwork laid in The Incredible Hulk while forging a new path for Captain America.