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, the film surprisingly acts as a sequel to The Incredible Hulk, revisiting key characters and plot threads.

This "Incredible Hulk 2" features the return of several pivotal characters:

Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader: The Incredible Hulk introduced Samuel Sterns, an ally to Bruce Banner. Sterns' ambitious experiments with Banner's blood led to his transformation into The Leader, a highly intelligent gamma-powered villain. The film finally delivers on this long-awaited development, with Sterns' escape from S.H.I.E.L.D. custody (as detailed in The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week comic) placing him at the heart of the conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. His potential involvement in Ross' transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in the newly introduced adamantium remain intriguing mysteries.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross: Betty Ross, daughter of Thunderbolt Ross and Banner's former love interest, returns after her absence from the MCU. Her past involvement in Project Gamma Pulse and her complicated relationship with her father set the stage for her potential role in this film. Will she reconcile with her father, utilize her gamma research expertise, or even become the Red She-Hulk, as in the comics? Her role remains largely unknown.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk: The film heavily features Harrison Ford as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding William Hurt. Ross's long-standing obsession with controlling the Hulk, his strained relationship with Betty, and his role in creating the Abomination are all revisited. Now President of the United States, Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, likely a result of a deal with The Leader, forms a central conflict. His motivations, involving both national security and the control of adamantium, create a complex character arc.

The Absence of Hulk: The only element preventing Brave New World from being a direct Incredible Hulk sequel is the absence of Bruce Banner/Hulk. While his appearance isn't confirmed, his potential involvement is significant, considering his past with Ross and Sterns, and his current status as a key Avenger. His absence might be explained by his off-world responsibilities with his son, Skaar.

The introduction of adamantium, a new super-metal, adds another layer to the geopolitical intrigue. The film explores the potential benefits and dangers of this technology, further emphasizing the stakes of the conflict between Captain America and President Ross.

The film promises a thrilling confrontation between Captain America and a Hulked-out President Ross, leaving viewers to speculate on the extent of Hulk's involvement and the ultimate outcome of this unexpected sequel.