Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth film in the Marvel franchise, marks Anthony Mackie's debut as the lead, taking over from Chris Evans. While this film continues Captain America's MCU story, it significantly ties up loose ends from one of the earliest MCU entries: it's essentially *The Incredible Hulk 2*.
From Harrison Ford's Thunderbolt Ross to Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader and Liv Tyler's Betty Ross, let's explore the history of these characters and why *Brave New World* is a true *Incredible Hulk* sequel 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 introduced Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, a character whose story finally culminates in Brave New World. In The Incredible Hulk, Sterns assists Bruce Banner in searching for a Hulk cure. Their face-to-face meeting reveals Sterns' overzealous experimentation with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood, hinting at a lack of ethical boundaries—a significant foreshadowing event.
Following Banner's capture, Blonsky coerces Sterns into transforming him. During Blonsky's transformation, Banner's blood contaminates Sterns' wound, causing his head to swell and transform. This marks Sterns' evolution into The Leader, a gamma-powered villain with intellect matching the Hulk's strength. Brave New World finally addresses this pivotal moment.
Sterns' whereabouts are revealed in the MCU canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week, showing Black Widow taking him into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody. He later escapes and becomes central to the conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. His role remains largely mysterious, with limited marketing presence. However, his involvement in Ross's transformation into Red Hulk and his potential pursuit of adamantium are plausible theories. As The Leader, his superhuman intelligence makes him a formidable foe.
Liv Tyler's Betty Ross
Another Incredible Hulk character returning is Liv Tyler's Betty Ross. Betty and Bruce Banner's college romance and her involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, where she created the primer saving Banner, are established in The Incredible Hulk. Her injuries during Banner's transformation fueled her father's hatred, straining their relationship. In The Incredible Hulk, she aids Banner while dating Dr. Leonard Samson.
Banner's fugitive status leads to Betty fading from the MCU until Avengers: Infinity War, where she's snapped away. Brave New World marks her return. Her role remains unclear, but her expertise in gamma research and potential transformation into Red She-Hulk are possibilities.
Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk
Harrison Ford's Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross is central to Brave New World, inheriting the role from the late William Hurt. Introduced in The Incredible Hulk as an antagonist, General Ross oversaw Project Gamma Pulse, aiming to create a Super Soldier Serum alternative. His pursuit of the Hulk, his alliance with Blonsky leading to the Abomination, and his reluctant allowance of Hulk's escape are key events.
The Incredible Hulk's final scene shows Ross meeting Tony Stark, an encounter detailed in the short film The Consultant. Ross's subsequent appearances in Captain America: Civil War, Black Widow, Infinity War, and Endgame highlight his evolution.
Now President, Ross's election is likely due to public fear after Secret Invasion. The film shows his attempt at reconciliation with Sam Wilson, his assassination attempt, and his transformation into Red Hulk. His actions suggest a desire to protect the country by controlling adamantium, mirroring the comic storyline.
Director Julius Onah describes Ross's transformation from a "thunderous" figure to an "elder statesman" seeking redemption and cooperation with the Avengers. His pursuit of adamantium's control adds another layer to the narrative.
Where Is the Hulk in Brave New World?
The absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is the only factor preventing Brave New World from being called The Incredible Hulk 2. While a cameo isn't ruled out, Banner's current situation—his merged form, his family of Hulks (Jen Walters and Skaar)—could explain his absence. His involvement might be saved for Avengers: Doomsday.
