"Captain America Film Unveiled as Hulk Sequel"

*Captain America: Brave New World* marks a significant milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as it introduces Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, stepping into the iconic role previously held by Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This fourth installment in the Captain America franchise is not only a continuation of Sam Wilson's journey but also a direct sequel to one of the MCU's earliest films, *The Incredible Hulk*, albeit in all but name. Here, we delve into the characters from *The Incredible Hulk* that are making a return and explore how *Brave New World* ties into their narratives.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

4 ImagesTim Blake Nelson’s The Leader

In The Incredible Hulk, Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns was introduced as an intriguing ally to Bruce Banner, played by Edward Norton. Their collaboration hinted at Sterns' potential to become a formidable antagonist, which Brave New World finally explores. Sterns, fascinated by gamma research, displayed a lack of ethical boundaries, a trait that foreshadowed his transformation into The Leader.

After Bruce Banner's capture, Sterns was coerced by Emil Blonsky into transforming him into another Hulk-like entity. During this process, Sterns was exposed to Banner's gamma-irradiated blood, setting the stage for his transformation into The Leader. Though this evolution was teased at the end of The Incredible Hulk, it's in Brave New World that we see the full realization of this character arc.

Sterns' whereabouts since The Incredible Hulk are explained in The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, a comic considered part of the MCU canon, where he is taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody. However, he eventually escapes and becomes central to the conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. His role in Brave New World remains somewhat mysterious, but it's speculated that he may have influenced Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and is interested in the newly introduced adamantium, a pivotal element that could trigger a global arms race.

Sterns was just beginning to transform into The Leader when last we saw him.Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross

Alongside The Leader, Liv Tyler's Betty Ross is another character from The Incredible Hulk returning in Brave New World. Betty and Bruce Banner shared a romantic and professional history, with Betty playing a crucial role in Banner's transformation into the Hulk. Their relationship strained by General Ross' relentless pursuit of Banner, Betty has been largely absent from the MCU until now.

Betty's return to the MCU in Brave New World is eagerly anticipated, though her specific role in the narrative remains undisclosed. Given her expertise in gamma research and her familial connection to President Ross, she could be pivotal in the unfolding story. In the comics, Betty eventually becomes Red She-Hulk, raising speculation about whether Brave New World will follow this path.

Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk

The most direct link to The Incredible Hulk in Brave New World is Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, a role previously played by William Hurt. In The Incredible Hulk, Ross was a primary antagonist, obsessed with capturing Banner and harnessing the Hulk's power.

Ross' journey through the MCU has been marked by his relentless pursuit of control over superhumans, from his role in the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War to his efforts to capture Natasha Romanoff in Black Widow. Now, as the President of the United States in Brave New World, Ross seeks to redefine himself and foster a new era of cooperation with the Avengers.

However, Ross' transformation into Red Hulk following an assassination attempt plunges him into a deep conspiracy involving The Leader and the race for adamantium. This development challenges Sam Wilson's Captain America to navigate this new threat and unravel the plot against the nation.

Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?

Despite Brave New World's strong ties to The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, appears to be absent from the film. Since his last appearance, Banner has evolved significantly, merging his human and Hulk personas into a single entity with control over his powers.

Banner's absence from Brave New World could be attributed to his current commitments, such as his family ties to She-Hulk and his son Skaar. However, his connection to Ross and The Leader makes his involvement in the plot plausible, even if it's just a brief cameo or a post-credits tease.

Ruffalo makes a brief appearance as Bruce Banner in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.Captain America: Brave New World promises to weave together the past and present of the MCU, delivering a thrilling narrative that explores the consequences of past actions and the emergence of new threats. With its rich connections to The Incredible Hulk, this film is set to be a pivotal chapter in the evolving saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.