Captain America Film Revealed as Hulk Sequel

"Captain America: Brave New World" marks the fourth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) Captain America series, ushering in a new era with Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson taking the helm from Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film not only continues the legacy of Captain America but also ties up several loose ends from one of the earliest MCU films, "The Incredible Hulk." In many ways, "Brave New World" can be seen as a sequel to "The Incredible Hulk," albeit without the title.

From Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thunderbolt Ross to Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader and Liv Tyler's Betty Ross, the movie brings back key characters from "The Incredible Hulk," enriching the narrative with their histories and developments within the MCU.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

4 ImagesTim Blake Nelson’s The Leader

In "The Incredible Hulk," Tim Blake Nelson's character, Samuel Sterns, was introduced as a potential future antagonist, a promise that "Brave New World" finally fulfills. Initially, Sterns collaborates with Bruce Banner from a distance, aiding in the search for a cure for the Hulk. Their eventual meeting reveals Sterns' overzealous nature and his ambition for scientific recognition, hinting at his moral divergence from Banner.

The film's climax sees Sterns injured, with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood seeping into his wound, triggering his transformation into The Leader. This pivotal moment, familiar to comic book fans, sets the stage for his emergence as a gamma-powered villain with intellect rivaling the Hulk's strength. "Brave New World" picks up this thread, showing Sterns' escape from S.H.I.E.L.D. custody and his involvement in a conspiracy with President Ross.

Sterns' role in the film remains shrouded in mystery, but his potential involvement in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in the newly introduced adamantium suggest a complex plot. As The Leader, Sterns poses a formidable challenge to Captain America and Falcon.

Sterns was just beginning to transform into The Leader when last we saw him.Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross

Alongside The Leader, "Brave New World" also sees the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, marking her first appearance in the MCU since "The Incredible Hulk." Betty's history with Bruce Banner, from their college romance to her role in Project Gamma Pulse, adds depth to her character. Her strained relationship with her father, General Ross, and her past with Banner, set the stage for her involvement in the new film.

Betty's expertise in gamma research and her potential reconciliation with her father, now President Ross, could play a significant role in the story. Her comic book alter ego, Red She-Hulk, also raises intriguing possibilities for her character's development.

Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk

The most evident link to "The Incredible Hulk" is Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, taking over from the late William Hurt. Ross, who debuted as a primary antagonist in "The Incredible Hulk," has evolved from a general obsessed with controlling the Hulk to the President of the United States.

Ross' journey from a military man to a political leader reflects his attempt to redefine himself, as highlighted by director Julius Onah. His transformation into Red Hulk, a character he once hunted, adds a new layer to his narrative. Ross' involvement with adamantium and his efforts to forge a new relationship with the Avengers under Sam Wilson's leadership set the stage for a complex geopolitical drama.

Ross' history in the MCU, from his recruitment attempts by Tony Stark to his role in the Sokovia Accords and his pursuit of Natasha Romanoff, showcases his relentless pursuit of control over superhuman threats. His transformation into Red Hulk and his involvement in the adamantium race further complicate his character.

Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?

Despite the strong connections to "The Incredible Hulk," the titular character, Bruce Banner, played by Mark Ruffalo, appears to be absent from "Brave New World." While his inclusion would make sense given his history with Ross and Sterns, and his current role as a key defender of Earth, it seems unlikely that he will play a significant part in the film.

Banner's evolution from a fugitive to a respected member of the Avengers, his control over his Hulk persona, and his new family dynamics with She-Hulk and Skaar, suggest he might be occupied elsewhere. However, a cameo or a post-credits scene could still bring him into the fold, especially given the stakes involved with Red Hulk and The Leader.

As "Captain America: Brave New World" navigates the intricate web of its characters and their histories, it promises to deliver a thrilling continuation of the MCU's expansive universe, even if it leaves fans wondering about the whereabouts of the Hulk.