*Captain America: Brave New World* marks a significant milestone as the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise, heralding the first time Anthony Mackie steps into the lead role as Sam Wilson, succeeding Chris Evans' iconic portrayal of Steve Rogers. While the film focuses on advancing Captain America's narrative within the MCU, it also weaves together unresolved threads from one of the earliest MCU films, essentially functioning as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk*.
With characters like Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross, Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader, and Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross returning, *Brave New World* promises to delve deep into their histories and their impact on the MCU's evolving universe.
Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images
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Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader
The Incredible Hulk set the stage for the emergence of a formidable adversary in the Hulk's universe with the introduction of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns. This character, who seemed destined for greatness or infamy, has finally come to the forefront in Brave New World. Initially, Sterns appeared as a distant ally to Bruce Banner, aiding him in his quest for a cure to his Hulk condition. However, their face-to-face meeting revealed Sterns' dangerous ambition, as he experimented with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood in hopes of achieving scientific acclaim.
When Banner was apprehended, Emil Blonsky coerced Sterns into transforming him into another Hulk-like creature. During this process, Sterns was injured, and Banner's blood seeped into his wound, triggering the transformation that would eventually turn him into The Leader—a genius-level intellect with gamma powers. Although this transformation was teased in The Incredible Hulk, it's only now in Brave New World that the MCU fully explores this development.
The whereabouts of Sterns have been a mystery until now. According to The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, a comic that's canon to the MCU, Sterns was taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody by Black Widow. However, he has since escaped and plays a central role in the conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. While specifics about his role in Brave New World remain under wraps, it's likely that Sterns had a hand in Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, as seen in the comics. Moreover, with the introduction of adamantium, Sterns might be orchestrating a new global arms race, using his superhuman intelligence to manipulate the situation to his advantage.
Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross
Not only is Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns returning in Brave New World, but Liv Tyler is also reprising her role as Betty Ross, marking her long-awaited return to the MCU. In The Incredible Hulk, Betty and Bruce Banner were college sweethearts who worked together on Project Gamma Pulse. Betty's role was crucial in Banner's survival of gamma radiation, but her life was upended when Banner transformed into the Hulk, leading to a strained relationship with her father, General Ross.
By the time of The Incredible Hulk, Betty had moved on and was dating Dr. Leonard Samson, yet she didn't hesitate to help Banner when he resurfaced. Despite their efforts to reconnect, Banner's fugitive status forced them apart, and Betty disappeared from the MCU narrative until the events of Avengers: Infinity War, where she was one of the many victims of Thanos' snap.
Now, in Brave New World, Betty's role remains a mystery. As the daughter of the president, her relationship with her father may have evolved. Her expertise in gamma research could be pivotal, and fans are eager to see if her comic book transformation into Red She-Hulk will be explored.
Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk
The most telling sign that Brave New World is essentially a sequel to The Incredible Hulk is its focus on Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, stepping into the role previously played by William Hurt. Ross's journey began in The Incredible Hulk as a military general obsessed with controlling the Hulk, which led to disastrous consequences including the creation of the Abomination.
Ross's subsequent appearances in the MCU, from Captain America: Civil War to Avengers: Endgame, showcased his relentless pursuit of superhuman regulation. Now, in Brave New World, Ross has ascended to the presidency, driven by public fear of alien threats following the events of Secret Invasion. Director Julius Onah describes this new Ross as an elder statesman seeking redemption and a new partnership with the Avengers, particularly with Sam Wilson.
However, Ross's journey takes a dramatic turn when he survives an assassination attempt and transforms into the Red Hulk. This transformation, likely facilitated by The Leader, positions Ross as a formidable adversary to Captain America. The introduction of adamantium adds another layer of complexity, as Ross seeks to harness this powerful metal for national security, setting the stage for a geopolitical conflict.
Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?
Despite Brave New World being a spiritual sequel to The Incredible Hulk, the titular character, played by Mark Ruffalo, appears to be absent from the main narrative. While a cameo or post-credits scene featuring Bruce Banner is possible, his current commitments, including his family of Hulks and his role as a key defender of Earth, might explain his absence.
Banner's journey since The Incredible Hulk has been transformative, from joining the Avengers to merging with his Hulk persona, achieving a balance of strength and intellect. His potential interest in Ross's transformation and The Leader's return adds intrigue, but it seems Banner's focus is elsewhere, possibly off-world with his son Skaar.
As Captain America: Brave New World unfolds, fans will be eager to see how Sam Wilson navigates this complex web of conspiracies and superhuman threats, even without the direct involvement of the Hulk. The film promises to be a thrilling continuation of the MCU's expansive universe, setting the stage for future adventures in Avengers: Doomsday and beyond.
