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. While focusing on Captain America's continued MCU journey, this film significantly expands on plot threads from the very first MCU movie, effectively serving as The Incredible Hulk 2.

This connection is solidified by the return of 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 how Brave New World functions as an Incredible Hulk sequel.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

4 Images

Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader

The Incredible Hulk introduced Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, foreshadowing his transformation into The Leader. Initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' overzealous experiments with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood led to his own transformation after exposure to Banner's blood. This sets the stage for his evolution into the intelligent villain, The Leader, a storyline finally addressed in Brave New World.

The MCU's Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week comic reveals S.H.I.E.L.D.'s capture of Sterns, explaining his absence. His escape and involvement in the conspiracy surrounding Captain America and President Ross remain largely mysterious, though his potential involvement in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in adamantium are plausible. His enhanced intellect makes him a formidable opponent for Captain America and Falcon.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross marks another significant link to The Incredible Hulk. Their past relationship and Betty's involvement in Project Gamma Pulse, her father's obsessive hatred of Banner, and her complex relationship with her father are all relevant to the narrative. Her role in Brave New World remains unclear, though her gamma research expertise and potential transformation into Red She-Hulk (as in the comics) are possibilities.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk

The central role of Harrison Ford's Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross strongly suggests Brave New World as an Incredible Hulk sequel. Ross's history as an antagonist to Bruce Banner, his pursuit of the Hulk, his creation of the Abomination, and his eventual transformation into Red Hulk are all pivotal to the story. His election as President and his attempt to reconcile with Sam Wilson, only to be drawn into a conspiracy and transform into Red Hulk, forms the core conflict.

The film explores Ross's evolution from a "thunderous" military figure to a more diplomatic elder statesman, seeking to redefine himself while interacting with Sam Wilson. His pursuit of adamantium, a newly introduced super-metal, adds another layer of geopolitical intrigue.

Where is the Hulk?

The absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is the only element preventing Brave New World from being explicitly titled The Incredible Hulk 2. While a cameo is possible, Banner's current responsibilities, including his family of Hulks (Jen Walters and Skaar), might explain his absence. His potential appearance might be reserved for Avengers: Doomsday.

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