Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise, stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, succeeding Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. While continuing the Captain America storyline, this film significantly expands on plot points from the very first MCU movie, effectively serving as The Incredible Hulk 2.

This connection stems from the return of several 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 history and how Brave New World ties into the Hulk saga.

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 his transformation into The Leader. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' overzealous experiments with Banner's blood led to his own gamma-powered transformation. This plot thread, dormant for years, finally culminates in Brave New World. The comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s involvement in his capture, followed by an escape and subsequent role in the film's central conspiracy. His potential involvement in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in the newly introduced adamantium are key plot points.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another significant link to The Incredible Hulk. Their college romance and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, alongside her complicated relationship with her father, are revisited. Her role in Brave New World remains largely undisclosed, but her expertise in gamma radiation and her potential transformation into Red She-Hulk (as in the comics) add intrigue.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

Harrison Ford's portrayal of President Ross is the most overt connection to The Incredible Hulk. Ross's history as an antagonist to Bruce Banner, his role in Project Gamma Pulse, and his creation of the Abomination are all relevant. His election as President, following the events of Secret Invasion, positions him as a figure grappling with superhuman threats. The film hints at a reconciliation attempt with Sam Wilson, followed by a transformation into the Red Hulk, a significant plot twist.

Director Julius Onah highlights Ross's character development, portraying him as an elder statesman seeking to redefine himself and cooperate with the Avengers. His pursuit of adamantium, a newly introduced super-metal, further complicates the narrative.

Hulk's Absence

The absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is the only element preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2. While a cameo appearance isn't ruled out, Banner's current involvement with a growing family of Hulks (including his son, Skaar) might explain his absence. His potential future involvement in Avengers: Doomsday is hinted at.

A poll concludes the article, asking readers to predict Hulk's appearance in Brave New World. The article also promotes upcoming Marvel projects.