Incredible Hulk's Secret Unveiled in New Captain America Adventure

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, the film significantly expands on plot points from the 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.

Captain America: Brave New World – A Look at Key Characters

Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader: The Incredible Hulk introduced Samuel Sterns (Nelson), an ally to Bruce Banner, whose experiments with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood led to his transformation into The Leader. The film hinted at this transformation, which is now fully realized in Brave New World. The Leader's whereabouts since The Incredible Hulk are explained in the MCU-canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, showing his capture by Black Widow and subsequent escape. His role in the film's conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross remains largely mysterious, though his involvement in Ross's transformation into Red Hulk is likely. His potential interest in adamantium, a newly introduced super-metal, also presents a significant plot point.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross: Betty Ross's return in Brave New World marks her first MCU appearance since The Incredible Hulk. Her past relationship with Bruce Banner and her complicated dynamic with her father, General Ross, are key elements. Her role in the new film remains unclear, but her expertise in gamma radiation and the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk in this iteration are intriguing prospects.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk: Harrison Ford takes over the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross from the late William Hurt. Ross's history of antagonism towards Bruce Banner, his role in creating the Abomination, and his involvement in the Sokovia Accords are all relevant to Brave New World. The film depicts Ross's election as President and his subsequent transformation into Red Hulk following an assassination attempt. This transformation, along with his pursuit of adamantium, forms a central conflict. Director Julius Onah describes Ross's character arc as a journey of self-reflection and a desire for reconciliation with his daughter.

The Absence of Hulk: The most significant difference between Brave New World and a direct Incredible Hulk sequel is the absence of Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). While his appearance isn't entirely ruled out (perhaps a post-credits cameo), his current involvement with his family of Hulks (including Jen Walters and Skaar) might explain his absence. This leaves Captain America to confront Red Hulk and The Leader alone, at least initially.

The Introduction of Adamantium: The film introduces adamantium, a powerful metal, setting the stage for a global arms race and further complicating the conflict between Captain America and President Ross.

The film's title, Brave New World, reflects the introduction of this new technology and its potential for both positive and negative consequences. The film promises a complex narrative exploring themes of legacy, reconciliation, and the ethical implications of powerful new technologies.

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