"Captain America: Brave New World" marks the fourth installment in the iconic Marvel franchise and heralds a new era with Anthony Mackie stepping into the lead role as Sam Wilson, taking over from Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film not only advances the Captain America saga within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also ties up loose threads from one of the earliest MCU films, effectively serving as a sequel to "The Incredible Hulk."
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 character Samuel Sterns, setting the stage for his transformation into the formidable villain, The Leader. In the film, Sterns collaborates with Bruce Banner from a distance to find a cure for the Hulk. Their eventual face-to-face meeting reveals Sterns' unethical experimentation with Banner's gamma-irradiated blood, hinting at his future villainous turn.
When Banner is captured, Emil Blonsky coerces Sterns into transforming him into another Hulk-like entity. During this process, Sterns is injured, and Banner's blood seeps into an open wound on his forehead, initiating his transformation into The Leader. This pivotal moment, well-known to comic book fans, is only now being explored in "Brave New World."
After his transformation, Sterns was taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, as detailed in "The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week," a comic canon to the MCU. However, he eventually escapes and becomes central to a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. While details about his role in "Brave New World" are scarce, it's speculated that he may be linked to Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and the introduction of adamantium, a game-changing metal set to spark a new arms race in the MCU.
Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross
Liv Tyler returns as Betty Ross, marking her first appearance in the MCU since "The Incredible Hulk." In that film, Betty and Bruce Banner's romantic and professional relationship was established, with Betty playing a crucial role in Banner's survival after his gamma radiation exposure. Her strained relationship with her father, General Thaddeus Ross, further complicates her narrative.
Betty's journey since "The Incredible Hulk" has been largely uncharted, except for her temporary disappearance during Thanos' snap in "Avengers: Infinity War." Her role in "Brave New World" remains a mystery, though her expertise in gamma research and her familial ties to the President could position her as a key player in the unfolding drama.
Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk
Harrison Ford steps into the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, previously portrayed by William Hurt. Ross, first seen in "The Incredible Hulk," has evolved from a military general obsessed with controlling the Hulk to the President of the United States. His journey reflects a transformation from a man defined by anger to an elder statesman seeking redemption and a new relationship with the Avengers.
In "Brave New World," Ross's transformation into Red Hulk is a pivotal plot point, suggesting his quest to protect his country through enhanced power. The film also introduces adamantium, setting the stage for a geopolitical struggle over this new technology.
Ross's history in the MCU includes his role in the Sokovia Accords, his pursuit of rogue agents, and his survival of Thanos' snap. His new role as President, combined with his transformation into Red Hulk, positions him as a central figure in the film's narrative, challenging Captain America to navigate a complex conspiracy.
Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?
Despite "Brave New World" being a direct continuation of "The Incredible Hulk," Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, appears to be absent from the main storyline. Since his last appearances, Banner has merged with Hulk, gaining control over his powers and becoming a respected member of the Avengers. His current focus on family matters, including his cousin Jen Walters and son Skaar, might explain his absence.
While a cameo or post-credits scene featuring Banner cannot be ruled out, "Brave New World" primarily focuses on Captain America's new challenges without the Hulk's direct involvement. This leaves fans anticipating his potential return in future MCU projects like "Avengers: Doomsday."
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