Captain America: Brave New World Revealed as Secret Hulk Sequel

*Captain America: Brave New World* marks a significant milestone as the fourth installment in the iconic Marvel franchise and the first to feature Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson stepping into the lead role, previously occupied by Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film not only continues the Captain America saga within the MCU but also ties up numerous loose threads from one of the earliest entries in the franchise, *The Incredible Hulk*. In many ways, *Brave New World* serves as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk*, albeit without the titular character himself.

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Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

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Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader

*The Incredible Hulk* introduced us to Tim Blake Nelson's character, Samuel Sterns, setting the stage for his transformation into the formidable villain, The Leader. In the film, Sterns collaborates remotely with Edward Norton's Bruce Banner to find a cure for the Hulk. Their eventual meeting reveals Sterns' obsessive fascination with their gamma research, hinting at his lack of ethical boundaries compared to Banner.

The plot thickens when Emil Blonsky coerces Sterns into transforming him into another Hulk-like being. During the process, Sterns suffers an injury, and Banner's gamma-irradiated blood enters his wound, triggering the onset of his transformation into The Leader. This pivotal moment, rich with potential, is only now being explored in *Brave New World*.

Comic fans know Sterns as The Leader, whose intelligence rivals the Hulk's strength. After his initial transformation, Sterns was taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, as detailed in the MCU canon comic, *The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week*. However, he eventually escaped and now plays a central role in the conspiracy surrounding Captain America and President Ross. While details about his role in *Brave New World* are scarce, speculation suggests he may be involved in Ross's transformation into Red Hulk and the introduction of adamantium to the MCU, setting the stage for a new global arms race.

Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross

Alongside The Leader, *Brave New World* brings back Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, marking her first return to the MCU since *The Incredible Hulk*. Betty, who met and fell in love with Bruce Banner during their college days, played a crucial role in his transformation into the Hulk. Her relationship with her father, General Ross, was strained due to his relentless pursuit of Banner.

In *The Incredible Hulk*, Betty had moved on with Dr. Leonard Samson but quickly came to Banner's aid when he resurfaced. Despite their efforts to find a cure, Banner's fugitive status forced them apart. Betty's absence from the MCU since then, except for being snapped away in *Avengers: Infinity War*, leaves her current role in *Brave New World* a mystery. Will she reconcile with her father, now the President, or will her gamma research expertise come into play? Fans are also curious if she might follow her comic book counterpart and become Red She-Hulk.

Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk

The most telling sign that *Brave New World* is a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* is the central role of Harrison Ford's Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, taking over from the late William Hurt. Ross, introduced as a military general in *The Incredible Hulk*, was obsessed with controlling the Hulk, leading to the creation of the Abomination.

Ross's journey through the MCU saw him become the Secretary of Defense in *Captain America: Civil War*, where he enforced the Sokovia Accords. His subsequent appearances in *Black Widow* and *Avengers: Infinity War* showcased his ongoing struggle with superhuman threats. In *Brave New World*, Ross is now the President of the United States, elected amidst fears of alien invasions following *Secret Invasion*.

Director Julius Onah describes this new Ross as an elder statesman seeking redemption and a closer relationship with his daughter. However, an assassination attempt leads to his transformation into Red Hulk, drawing Sam Wilson into a conspiracy involving The Leader and the coveted adamantium. This new technology, with its potential for both positive and destructive uses, sets the stage for geopolitical tensions and a thrilling narrative.

Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, a character he once despised, adds a layer of irony and complexity to his character. His pursuit of adamantium further underscores his commitment to national security, albeit through controversial means.

Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?

Despite its strong ties to *The Incredible Hulk*, *Brave New World* does not feature Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, leaving fans to wonder about his absence. Since his last appearance, Banner has evolved significantly, merging with the Hulk to become a more balanced being. His role in the MCU has shifted from a fugitive to a respected member of the Avengers, and he now leads a family of Hulks, including his cousin Jen Walters and son Skaar.

While Banner's absence from *Brave New World* is notable, it may be explained by his current off-world commitments. His potential involvement in the film could be limited to a post-credits scene, if at all. Fans eagerly await his return in future MCU projects, such as *Avengers: Doomsday*.

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