*Captain America: Brave New World* marks the fourth installment in the renowned Marvel franchise and introduces Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, succeeding Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film not only advances the Captain America storyline but also ties up loose ends from one of the earliest MCU entries, *The Incredible Hulk*, making it a spiritual sequel to that film.
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 Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, also known as The Leader, whose storyline is finally being explored in Brave New World. Initially, Sterns assists Edward Norton's Bruce Banner in his quest to cure the Hulk, but his ambition leads him to experiment with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood. This ambition foreshadows his transformation into The Leader, a super-intelligent villain, which is only now being realized in the MCU.
Alongside The Leader, Liv Tyler's Betty Ross returns to the MCU in Brave New World. Betty, introduced in The Incredible Hulk, was Banner's college sweetheart and a key researcher in Project Gamma Pulse. Her relationship with her father, General Ross, was strained due to his obsession with capturing Banner. After the events of The Incredible Hulk, Betty faded from the MCU until now. Her role in Brave New World remains undisclosed, but her expertise in gamma research and potential reconciliation with her father, now President, could play significant roles. In the comics, Betty becomes Red She-Hulk, hinting at possible future developments.
Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk
The most compelling evidence of Brave New World being a sequel to The Incredible Hulk is the central role of Harrison Ford's Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, now President of the United States. Ford steps into the role previously played by William Hurt. Ross, who has been a recurring character in the MCU, was initially focused on controlling the Hulk. His journey from General to President reflects a desire to reform and improve, as he seeks to reconnect with his estranged daughter and work with the Avengers. However, an assassination attempt leads to his transformation into Red Hulk, entangling him in a conspiracy involving The Leader and the coveted adamantium.
Ross' history includes pivotal moments such as the drafting of the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War, his role in Black Widow, and his brief appearances in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. His transformation into Red Hulk in Brave New World marks a significant shift, as he navigates the complexities of leadership and the introduction of adamantium, which could reshape global power dynamics.
Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?
Despite the strong ties to The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, does not appear to play a significant role in Brave New World. Since his introduction, Banner's journey has seen him join the Avengers, gain control over the Hulk, and even start a family of Hulks. His absence from the film might be due to his focus on bonding with his son Skaar, introduced in She-Hulk. While a cameo cannot be ruled out, Banner's current commitments suggest his presence might be limited to a post-credits scene, if at all.
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