*Captain America: Brave New World* marks the fourth installment in the iconic Marvel franchise, spotlighting Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, succeeding Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film not only advances the Captain America narrative within the MCU but also ties up loose ends from one of the earliest MCU films, *The Incredible Hulk*. In essence, *Brave New World* serves as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* in all but name, bringing back key characters and unresolved storylines.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

4 ImagesTim Blake Nelson’s The Leader

The Incredible Hulk introduced Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, setting the stage for the emergence of The Leader, a significant villain in Hulk's universe. In the film, Sterns collaborates with Bruce Banner from a distance, aiming to cure Banner's Hulk condition. Their eventual meeting reveals Sterns' unethical approach to their gamma research, hinting at his future transformation.

After Banner's arrest, Emil Blonsky coerces Sterns into transforming him into another Hulk-like entity. During this process, Sterns is injured, and Banner's gamma-irradiated blood enters his wound, initiating his transformation into The Leader. This pivotal moment, which comic fans recognize as the birth of a formidable foe, is finally explored in Brave New World.

Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross

Alongside The Leader, Brave New World sees the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, marking her first appearance since The Incredible Hulk. Betty, who initially met and fell in love with Bruce Banner during their college years, played a crucial role in his transformation into the Hulk. Her relationship with her father, General Ross, deteriorated due to his obsession with capturing Banner.

In The Incredible Hulk, Betty aids Banner in his quest for a cure, despite her new relationship with Dr. Leonard Samson. However, their reunion is short-lived as Banner resumes his fugitive life. Betty's absence from the MCU since then, including her temporary disappearance during the Snap in Avengers: Infinity War, adds intrigue to her role in Brave New World. Whether she reconciles with her father, now President Ross, or leverages her gamma research expertise remains to be seen.

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 as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, succeeding the late William Hurt. Ross, introduced in The Incredible Hulk, was a key antagonist to Bruce Banner, overseeing Project Gamma Pulse with the aim of creating a new Super Soldier Serum. His relentless pursuit of Banner strained his relationship with Betty.

Ross's journey through the MCU saw him evolve from a general to 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 efforts to control superhuman threats. In Brave New World, Ross is now the President of the United States, attempting to mend ties with the Avengers and Sam Wilson.

However, an assassination attempt leads to Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, drawing him into a conspiracy involving The Leader and the coveted adamantium. Director Julius Onah highlights Ross's evolution from a man driven by anger to a statesman seeking redemption and cooperation with the Avengers.

Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?

Despite Brave New World's deep ties to The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, is notably absent. Since his last appearance, Banner has merged with his Hulk persona, gaining control over his powers and becoming a respected member of the Avengers. His absence from Brave New World might be explained by his focus on his new family, including his cousin Jen Walters (She-Hulk) and son Skaar.

While fans might hope for a cameo or a post-credits scene featuring Banner, his current commitments suggest he may not play a significant role in this film. Instead, the spotlight remains on Captain America as he navigates the complex web of conspiracies and new threats introduced in Brave New World.