Hulk's Hidden Sequel: Secret Uncovered in 'Captain America'

Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise, stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, taking the reins from Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. While focusing on Captain America's continued MCU journey, the film significantly revisits plot threads from the very first MCU film, effectively serving as The Incredible Hulk 2.

This connection stems from the return of key characters from The Incredible Hulk: Harrison Ford's Thunderbolt Ross, Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader, and Liv Tyler's Betty Ross. Let's examine their histories and how Brave New World weaves them into a narrative that's essentially a sequel to The Incredible Hulk.

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, foreshadowing a future villain. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, aiding in a Hulk cure, Sterns' ambition and unethical experimentation with Banner's blood led to his transformation into The Leader. This storyline, hinted at in The Incredible Hulk, finally culminates in Brave New World.

Sterns' whereabouts after The Incredible Hulk are explained in the MCU-canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, depicting his capture by Black Widow. His escape and involvement in the conspiracy surrounding Captain America and President Ross remain largely mysterious, though his potential role in Ross's Red Hulk transformation and pursuit of adamantium are key possibilities. As The Leader, his enhanced intellect makes him a formidable adversary.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another significant link to The Incredible Hulk. Their past relationship, Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, and her complex dynamic with her father, General Ross, are all relevant to Brave New World. Betty's role in the new film remains undisclosed, but her gamma research expertise and potential transformation into Red She-Hulk (as seen in the comics) are intriguing possibilities.

Her reappearance after being snapped in Avengers: Infinity War promises a pivotal role, potentially bridging the gap between her past and the current conflict.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross is the most obvious indication of Brave New World's connection to The Incredible Hulk. Ross's history as an antagonist to Bruce Banner, his role in creating the Abomination, and his persistent pursuit of controlling the Hulk are central to his character arc.

His evolution from General Ross to President of the United States, following the events of Secret Invasion, positions him as a powerful figure grappling with his past actions. His transformation into Red Hulk adds another layer of complexity, suggesting a desperate attempt to protect the nation by wielding the very power he once sought to control. The film explores his attempts at reconciliation with Sam Wilson while simultaneously being embroiled in a conspiracy involving adamantium.

Director Julius Onah highlights Ross's transformation from a "thunderous" figure to an elder statesman seeking redemption. This internal conflict forms a parallel to Sam Wilson's own journey of self-discovery. The introduction of adamantium adds a significant geopolitical element to the plot.

The Absence of Hulk

The only element preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2 is the absence of Bruce Banner/Hulk. While a cameo appearance isn't impossible, Mark Ruffalo's Hulk is notably absent from the main narrative. This absence might be explained by Banner's current responsibilities, including his family of Hulks (Jen Walters and Skaar), which could keep him occupied elsewhere.

This leaves the question of whether we will see Hulk in Brave New World. A poll is included to gauge reader opinion. The film's focus on the repercussions of The Incredible Hulk's events, however, makes it a de facto sequel regardless of Hulk's presence.