*Captain America: Brave New World* marks a significant milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the fourth installment in the Captain America franchise, featuring Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson stepping into the iconic role for the first time. This film not only continues the journey of Captain America but also ties up loose ends from one of the earliest MCU films, *The Incredible Hulk*. In essence, *Brave New World* can be seen as a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk*, despite the absence of the Hulk himself.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

4 ImagesTim Blake Nelson’s The Leader

The Incredible Hulk introduced fans to Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns, setting the stage for the emergence of The Leader, a formidable villain in the Hulk's narrative. In the film, Sterns collaborates with Bruce Banner, played by Edward Norton, to find a cure for the Hulk. However, his fascination with the potential of gamma research hints at his dubious moral compass, a precursor to his transformation.

During a critical scene, Sterns is injured, and Banner's gamma-irradiated blood enters an open wound on his forehead, initiating his transformation into The Leader. This pivotal moment, familiar to comic book fans, has finally been followed up in Brave New World. After being taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, as revealed in The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, Sterns escaped and now finds himself at the heart of a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross.

Sterns, now The Leader, with his superhuman intelligence, may be pivotal in President Ross's transformation into Red Hulk and could be eyeing the newly introduced adamantium, a metal set to spark global conflicts over its control.

Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross

Alongside The Leader, Brave New World brings back Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, marking her return to the MCU since The Incredible Hulk. Betty, a former lover and colleague of Bruce Banner, played a crucial role in his transformation into the Hulk. Her strained relationship with her father, General Ross, adds a personal dimension to her character's arc.

Betty's journey has been out of the spotlight since The Incredible Hulk, with her only notable mention being her temporary disappearance during Avengers: Infinity War. Her role in Brave New World remains shrouded in mystery, but her expertise in gamma research could be pivotal. Given her comic book alter ego, Red She-Hulk, fans are eager to see if this storyline will be explored.

Harrison Ford’s President Ross/Red Hulk

The most telling connection to The Incredible Hulk is Harrison Ford's portrayal of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, taking over from the late William Hurt. Ross's journey began as a military general obsessed with controlling the Hulk, leading to the creation of the Abomination and his ongoing feud with Banner.

Ross's character evolved significantly, from a military general to the Secretary of Defense in Captain America: Civil War, where he was instrumental in the creation of the Sokovia Accords. His brief appearances in subsequent films showcased his relentless pursuit of control over superhumans.

Now, as President of the United States in Brave New World, Ross seeks to redefine himself as a diplomat and statesman. However, an assassination attempt leads to his transformation into Red Hulk, drawing him into a conspiracy involving The Leader and the coveted adamantium.

Ross's transformation into Red Hulk represents a culmination of his lifelong quest to harness the power he once sought to control. His role as a leader in a world grappling with new technologies and threats underscores the film's title, Brave New World.

Where Is The Hulk in Brave New World?

Despite the strong ties to The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is notably absent from Brave New World. Since his last appearance, Banner has evolved significantly, merging with the Hulk to become a respected member of the Avengers and a key defender against global threats.

Banner's absence could be explained by his current commitments to his family of Hulks, including his cousin Jen Walters and son Skaar. However, his connection to the characters and events in Brave New World suggests that a cameo or post-credits scene might still be possible.