Captain America: Brave New World Revealed as Hulk Sequel

*Captain America: Brave New World* marks a thrilling new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), featuring Anthony Mackie stepping into the iconic role of Captain America as Sam Wilson. This film not only continues the legacy of Captain America but also weaves together threads left dangling from one of the MCU's earliest entries, *The Incredible Hulk*. In essence, *Brave New World* serves as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* in everything but name, bringing back familiar faces and unresolved storylines.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

4 ImagesTim Blake Nelson’s The Leader

The Incredible Hulk introduced us to Tim Blake Nelson's character, Samuel Sterns, setting the stage for his transformation into the formidable villain, The Leader. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' obsession with their gamma research hinted at his darker ambitions. His accidental exposure to Banner's blood at the end of the film marked the beginning of his transformation into The Leader, a plot point that Brave New World finally explores.

Sterns was just beginning to transform into The Leader when last we saw him. Since then, according to The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, Sterns was taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, but he has since escaped. In Brave New World, Sterns finds himself at the heart of a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. His superhuman intelligence poses a significant threat to our heroes, and his potential involvement in Ross's transformation into Red Hulk and the introduction of adamantium adds layers of intrigue to the narrative.

Liv Tyler returns to the MCU as Betty Ross, marking her first appearance since The Incredible Hulk. Betty, once a pivotal figure in Bruce Banner's life and a key researcher in the gamma pulse project, has been out of the spotlight since the events of that film. Her complex relationship with her father, General Thaddeus Ross, and her past with Banner adds emotional depth to Brave New World. While her exact role in the new film remains under wraps, her expertise in gamma research and her familial ties to President Ross could play a crucial part in the unfolding story.

Betty's return to the MCU raises questions about her current relationship with her father and her potential involvement in the gamma-related developments, including the possibility of her own transformation into Red She-Hulk, as seen in the comics.

Harrison Ford takes on the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding the late William Hurt. Ross, who has evolved from a general to the President of the United States, has been a constant presence in the MCU since The Incredible Hulk. His relentless pursuit of the Hulk and his involvement in the Sokovia Accords have shaped his character as a formidable figure in the superhero world. In Brave New World, Ross's transformation into Red Hulk sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation with Captain America.

Director Julius Onah describes Ross's journey as one of redemption and change, aiming to foster cooperation between the Avengers and the government. However, his transformation into Red Hulk and his pursuit of adamantium introduce new conflicts and challenges for Sam Wilson as Captain America.

Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?

Despite the strong connections to The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, appears to be absent from Brave New World. This absence is notable, especially considering Hulk's significant role in the MCU and his history with Ross and Sterns. Banner's journey 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 could have added depth to the film. However, his current commitments elsewhere in the universe might explain his absence.

While fans might hope for a surprise cameo or a post-credits scene featuring Hulk, his absence from the main narrative leaves room for speculation about his involvement in future MCU projects, such as Avengers: Doomsday.