"Captain America: Brave New World Revealed as Secret Hulk Sequel"

*Captain America: Brave New World* marks the fourth installment in the enduring Marvel franchise and the first to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson stepping into the iconic role previously held by Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) not only advances the narrative of Captain America but also weaves together unresolved threads from one of the earliest MCU films, positioning it as a de facto sequel to *The Incredible Hulk*.

Let's delve into the history of the MCU characters returning in *Brave New World* and explore why this film can be considered a continuation of *The Incredible Hulk* in all but name.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

4 ImagesTim Blake Nelson’s The Leader

The Incredible Hulk set the stage for the emergence of a formidable adversary in the Hulk's universe with the introduction of Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, a character whose potential was only hinted at until now. In the film, Sterns collaborates remotely with Edward Norton's Bruce Banner to find a cure for the Hulk. Their eventual meeting reveals Sterns' overzealous experimentation with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood, hinting at his lack of ethical boundaries.

Following Banner's capture, Emil Blonsky coerces Sterns into transforming him into another Hulk-like entity. During this process, Sterns is injured, and Banner's blood seeps into an open wound on his forehead, initiating his transformation into The Leader. This pivotal moment, where Sterns evolves into a gamma-powered genius, is finally explored in Brave New World.

Since his last appearance, Sterns was taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, as detailed in the MCU canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week. However, he has since escaped and is now central to a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. While details of his role in Brave New World remain scarce, it's speculated that Sterns may have influenced Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, a plot point from the comics. Additionally, with the introduction of adamantium in the MCU, The Leader might exploit the ensuing global power struggle to further his own agenda.

Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross ----------------------

Alongside The Leader, Brave New World sees the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, marking her first appearance in the MCU since The Incredible Hulk. Betty, who met and fell in love with Bruce Banner during their college years, played a crucial role in Project Gamma Pulse, inadvertently contributing to Banner's transformation into the Hulk. Her relationship with her father, General Ross, became strained due to his relentless pursuit of Banner.

In The Incredible Hulk, Betty, now dating Dr. Leonard Samson, still supports Banner in his quest for a cure. However, their reunion is short-lived as Banner resumes his fugitive life, leaving Betty's fate in the MCU uncertain until now. Her return in Brave New World raises questions about her current relationship with her father, now President Ross, and whether her expertise in gamma research will play a role in the unfolding story. Fans of the comics might also wonder if Betty will follow her comic book counterpart's path and become Red She-Hulk.

Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk ---------------------------------------

The most compelling evidence that Brave New World serves as a sequel to The Incredible Hulk is the central role of Harrison Ford's Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, a character previously portrayed by the late William Hurt. In The Incredible Hulk, General Ross, obsessed with controlling the Hulk, inadvertently creates the Abomination while trying to capture Banner.

Ross's journey through the MCU has been marked by his relentless pursuit of superhuman control, from his role in drafting the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War to his brief appearances in Black Widow and Avengers: Infinity War. His transformation into President Ross in Brave New World reflects a shift towards diplomacy and reconciliation, particularly with Sam Wilson, as he seeks to foster cooperation between the Avengers and the U.S. government.

However, an assassination attempt on Ross leads to his transformation into Red Hulk, a development that ties directly back to his history with Banner and The Leader. Ross's pursuit of adamantium, a newly introduced super-metal, adds another layer to the geopolitical tensions within the MCU, setting the stage for a complex narrative involving global power dynamics.

Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World? -------------------------------------

Despite Brave New World being a spiritual successor to The Incredible Hulk, the titular character, played by Mark Ruffalo, appears to be absent from the main narrative. Since his last major appearance, Bruce Banner has evolved significantly, merging with the Hulk to become a more balanced entity. His role in the MCU has shifted from fugitive to a respected member of the Avengers, and he now leads a family of Hulks, including his cousin Jen Walters and son Skaar.

While there's no confirmed role for Banner in Brave New World, a cameo or post-credits scene remains a possibility. His absence might be explained by his off-world activities with Skaar, leaving Captain America to face Red Hulk and The Leader without his former adversary's help.

The absence of Hulk in Brave New World underscores the film's focus on Sam Wilson's journey as the new Captain America and the evolving dynamics within the MCU. As fans await the next chapter in the Avengers saga, Brave New World promises to deliver a thrilling continuation of the MCU's rich tapestry of characters and storylines.