*Captain America: Brave New World* marks a significant milestone as the fourth installment in the iconic Marvel franchise, introducing Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, taking the helm from Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers. This film not only advances the narrative of Captain America within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also ties up loose ends from one of the earliest MCU entries, *The Incredible Hulk*. In essence, *Brave New World* can be seen as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* in all but name.
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 a major antagonist in the Hulk's universe by introducing Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns, a character whose storyline is finally reaching its climax in Brave New World. In the original film, Sterns initially assists Bruce Banner from a distance in his quest to find a cure for his transformation into the Hulk. When they meet, Banner discovers Sterns’ unethical approach to their gamma research, hinting at his potential for villainy.
After Banner's arrest, Sterns is coerced by Blonsky to transform him into another Hulk, leading to Sterns’ accidental exposure to Banner’s gamma-irradiated blood, initiating his transformation into The Leader. Although this pivotal moment was shown in The Incredible Hulk, it's only now, in Brave New World, that the MCU fully explores this development.
Sterns’ transformation into The Leader was just beginning when we last saw him. Since then, as detailed in the canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, Sterns was taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody. However, he has since escaped and is now central to the conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. Though Nelson’s role in the film remains under wraps, it's speculated that Sterns might be connected to Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk and the introduction of adamantium, a metal poised to trigger a global arms race. With his superhuman intelligence, The Leader presents a formidable challenge for Captain America and Falcon.
Alongside The Leader, Liv Tyler reprises her role as Betty Ross, marking her return to the MCU after her initial appearance in The Incredible Hulk. Betty, who shared a romantic and professional past with Bruce Banner, played a crucial role in his transformation into the Hulk. Her relationship with her father, General Ross, was strained due to his relentless pursuit of Banner.
In The Incredible Hulk, Betty attempted to help Banner find a cure, but their reunion was short-lived as Banner resumed his life on the run. Since then, Betty was among those affected by Thanos’ snap in Avengers: Infinity War. Her role in Brave New World remains a mystery, but given her expertise in gamma research and her familial connection to President Ross, she could play a pivotal part in the unfolding events. Fans are also curious if the film will explore her potential transformation into Red She-Hulk, as seen in the comics.
Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk ---------------------------------------The clearest indication that Brave New World is a continuation of The Incredible Hulk is the central role of Harrison Ford as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding the late William Hurt. Ross debuted as a primary antagonist in The Incredible Hulk, where his project inadvertently created the Hulk. His obsession with capturing Banner led to the creation of another monster, the Abomination.
Ross's journey through the MCU has been marked by his efforts to control superhuman entities, from his role in the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War to his pursuit of Natasha Romanoff in Black Widow. After being snapped and restored, Ross emerges as the President of the United States in Brave New World, attempting to foster cooperation between the Avengers and the government.
However, his plans are disrupted when he survives an assassination attempt and transforms into the Red Hulk, a development likely influenced by The Leader. Ross’s transformation is driven by his desire to protect his nation using adamantium, a new super-metal with immense geopolitical implications. Director Julius Onah highlights Ross's evolution from a man driven by anger to a statesman seeking redemption and reconciliation with his daughter, Betty.
Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World? -------------------------------------Despite the strong ties to The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, appears to be absent from Brave New World. While his inclusion would add depth to the narrative, especially given his history with Ross and Sterns, it seems that any appearance by Banner might be limited to a post-credits scene. Banner's absence could be explained by his commitments elsewhere in the MCU, such as bonding with his gamma-powered son, Skaar, introduced in She-Hulk.
As the MCU continues to evolve, Captain America: Brave New World promises to blend new stories with unresolved threads from the past, creating a rich tapestry of superhero cinema.
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