Captain America: Brave New World Is Secretly an Incredible Hulk Sequel

Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Captain America franchise, marks Anthony Mackie's debut as the lead, succeeding Chris Evans. Intriguingly, this film isn't just a continuation of the Captain America storyline; it also serves as a long-awaited sequel to one of the MCU's earliest entries: The Incredible Hulk.

The film reunites several key characters from The Incredible Hulk, creating a narrative that feels like a direct continuation. Let's examine these returning characters and their significance:

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

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Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader:

The Incredible Hulk introduced Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, subtly hinting at his future transformation into The Leader. Sterns, initially an ally to Bruce Banner, becomes obsessed with gamma radiation research after exposure to Banner's blood. This foreshadowed his evolution into a formidable intellect-based villain, a storyline finally realized in Brave New World. The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week comic (MCU canon) reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s involvement with Sterns, explaining his absence until now. His role in Brave New World, while largely kept under wraps, likely involves President Ross's transformation and the introduction of adamantium.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross:

Liv Tyler returns as Betty Ross, Bruce Banner's former love interest and daughter of Thunderbolt Ross. Their relationship, strained by Ross's obsession with Banner, is a key element of The Incredible Hulk. Betty's expertise in gamma radiation and her complex family dynamics are likely to play a significant role in Brave New World. Her potential transformation into Red She-Hulk, as seen in the comics, remains a compelling possibility.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk:

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross is central to Brave New World's connection to The Incredible Hulk. Ross, initially an antagonist in The Incredible Hulk, evolves into a more nuanced character. The film portrays a Ross who has become President of the United States, seeking reconciliation with his daughter and attempting to foster cooperation between the government and the Avengers. However, a pivotal plot point involves his transformation into the Red Hulk, adding another layer of complexity to his character arc.

The Absence of the Hulk:

The most significant difference between Brave New World and a direct Incredible Hulk sequel is the apparent absence of Bruce Banner/Hulk. While Mark Ruffalo's Hulk isn't explicitly confirmed or denied, his absence is notable. This could be attributed to Banner's current responsibilities, potentially involving his family of Hulks (Jen Walters and Skaar), or other off-world commitments.

Adamantium's Introduction:

Brave New World introduces adamantium, a pivotal element that fuels a global power struggle and plays into the film's geopolitical themes. The Leader and Red Hulk's potential involvement in this conflict adds another layer to the narrative.

The film's title, "Brave New World," reflects the introduction of new technologies and their potential consequences, both positive and negative. The film's central conflict revolves around the clash between Captain America and a Hulked-out President Ross, with The Leader pulling strings from the shadows. The question remains: will Hulk make an appearance, and if so, in what capacity? A poll is included to gauge reader opinions on this matter.