Captain America: Brave New World marks the fourth installment in the enduring Marvel Cinematic Universe saga, and it introduces a significant shift as Anthony Mackie steps into the iconic role of Sam Wilson, taking over from Chris Evans' portrayal of Steve Rogers. While this movie continues the Captain America narrative within the MCU, it also ties up several lingering threads from one of the earliest MCU films. Essentially, Brave New World feels like a sequel to The Incredible Hulk.

Characters such as Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross, Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader, and Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross bring depth to the storyline, making this movie a continuation of the Hulk’s journey in the MCU.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

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Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader

In The Incredible Hulk, Tim Blake Nelson introduced Samuel Sterns as a potential antagonist, setting the stage for his evolution into The Leader. Initially portrayed as an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns assists in Banner’s search for a cure for the Hulk. However, Sterns becomes overly ambitious with Banner’s gamma experiments, displaying a lack of moral restraint compared to Banner.

Following Banner’s capture, Blonsky coerces Sterns into transforming him into another Hulk. During this process, Sterns sustains injuries, allowing Banner’s blood to enter his system. This results in Sterns’ transformation into The Leader, a superintelligent villain.

Comic book fans recognize Sterns as the comic counterpart to The Leader, who gains superhuman intelligence due to gamma exposure. Although this evolution began in The Incredible Hulk, it took until Brave New World to fully realize this arc.

Sterns was in the early stages of transforming into The Leader when last seen.

Where has Sterns been all these years? According to the canon comic book The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, Black Widow brings Sterns into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, where he remains until his escape. In Brave New World, Sterns plays a key role in a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. His exact involvement remains unclear, but it’s speculated that he might have played a part in Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk. Additionally, with the introduction of adamantium in the MCU, The Leader could exploit this new resource for his schemes.

Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross

Liv Tyler reprises her role as Betty Ross, marking her first appearance in the MCU since The Incredible Hulk. Betty and Bruce Banner’s relationship began in college, where they fell in love. Later, Betty joined Banner in Project Gamma Pulse, aiding in the creation of the primer that helped Banner survive gamma exposure. Despite her efforts to help Banner, her father’s obsessive pursuit of Banner strained their relationship.

By the time of The Incredible Hulk, Betty moves on, dating Dr. Leonard Samson. However, she still aids Banner in his quest to cure himself. Ultimately, fate separates them, and Betty fades from the MCU until now. In Brave New World, her return raises questions about her relationship with her father and her expertise in gamma research. Could she play a role in addressing the Hulk’s presence or the introduction of adamantium?

Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk

Harrison Ford assumes the mantle of Thunderbolt Ross, replacing the late William Hurt. Ross first appeared in The Incredible Hulk, antagonizing Edward Norton’s Bruce Banner. A military leader, Ross oversees Project Gamma Pulse, secretly aiming to recreate the Super Soldier Serum. When Banner experiments with his formula, the Hulk emerges.

Ross dedicates himself to capturing the Hulk, eventually turning to Emil Blonsky for assistance. Their collaboration leads to the creation of the Abomination. After a fierce battle, Hulk subdues the Abomination, and Ross reluctantly allows Hulk to escape.

Ross resurfaces in Captain America: Civil War as Secretary of Defense, pivotal in drafting the Sokovia Accords. His actions divide the Avengers, leading to their imprisonment at The Raft. Ross reappears in Black Widow and Infinity War, showing his continued influence in the MCU.

Now, as President of the United States, Ross faces a new challenge: transforming into Red Hulk. Director Julius Onah describes Ross as an elder statesman seeking redemption and reconciliation with his estranged daughter. However, his transformation complicates his diplomatic efforts.

Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?

While Brave New World continues the Hulk’s journey, there’s no indication that Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner will feature prominently. His absence leaves the door open for potential cameos or future appearances. Given Banner’s current status as a merged entity with Hulk, his expertise could prove invaluable in resolving the crisis involving Red Hulk and The Leader.

Ruffalo’s recent appearances suggest he might be occupied with familial matters, particularly with his cousin Jen Walters (She-Hulk) and his gamma-powered son, Skaar. These developments could explain his absence from Brave New World.

In conclusion, while Brave New World ties up loose ends from The Incredible Hulk, its focus shifts to new characters and themes, setting the stage for future MCU installments.