Captain America: Brave New World Is Secretly an Incredible Hulk Sequel

Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise, stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, succeeding Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film, however, isn't just a continuation of the Captain America storyline; it significantly expands on plot threads from one of the earliest MCU films, 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 why Brave New World functions as a de facto Incredible Hulk sequel.

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, hinting at his future as a major antagonist. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' ambition surpasses Banner's ethical boundaries, leading to his accidental exposure to gamma-irradiated blood. This sets the stage for his transformation into The Leader, a brilliant villain whose intellect rivals the Hulk's strength. Brave New World finally delivers on this long-awaited transformation.

The Leader's whereabouts after The Incredible Hulk are explained in the MCU-canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week, revealing his capture by Black Widow and subsequent imprisonment by S.H.I.E.L.D. His escape and involvement in the conspiracy surrounding Captain America and President Ross remain largely mysterious, though his potential role in Ross's transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in adamantium are strong possibilities.

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, where she aided Banner's survival, are revisited. Betty's relationship with her father, complicated by his obsession with Banner, is also a key element. Her role in Brave New World remains undisclosed, but her expertise in gamma radiation and the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk, as in the comics, add intrigue.

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 a military man obsessed with controlling the Hulk, his strained relationship with Betty, and his creation of the Abomination are all relevant to the new film.

The film depicts Ross's election as President of the United States, a position he leverages to pursue a new era of cooperation between the Avengers and the government. However, a conspiracy and an assassination attempt lead to his transformation into the Red Hulk. This transformation, mirroring the comics, suggests a Faustian bargain with The Leader to enhance his power and control the newly discovered adamantium.

Director Julius Onah highlights the evolution of Ross's character, from a "thunderous" figure driven by anger to a more diplomatic elder statesman seeking reconciliation with his daughter. The introduction of adamantium and its geopolitical implications are also key plot points.

The Absence of Hulk

The only element preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2 is the absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner/Hulk. While a cameo isn't entirely ruled out, Banner's current family situation—including his cousin She-Hulk and his son Skaar—might explain his absence. His focus on other matters leaves Captain America to confront Red Hulk and The Leader alone, at least for now.

Will we see Hulk in Brave New World? The possibility remains, but the film's focus remains firmly on the implications of The Incredible Hulk's lingering plotlines and the introduction of new threats. The full-fledged return of the Avengers may have to wait for Avengers: Doomsday in 2026.

For more on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, explore upcoming Marvel projects in 2025 and review the current development slate of Marvel movies and series.