"Captain America Film Unveils Hulk Sequel Connection"

The eagerly awaited *Captain America: Brave New World* marks the fourth installment in the iconic Marvel franchise and introduces Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, stepping into the role previously held by Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers. This film not only continues the saga of Captain America in the MCU but also ties up numerous loose ends from one of the earliest entries, *The Incredible Hulk*. In essence, *Brave New World* could be considered a sequel to *The Incredible Hulk* in everything but name.

Captain America: Brave New World Debut Trailer Images

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Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader

The Incredible Hulk set the stage for the emergence of a formidable villain with Tim Blake Nelson's portrayal of Samuel Sterns, which Brave New World is finally bringing to fruition. In the earlier film, Sterns, an ally to Edward Norton’s Bruce Banner, becomes obsessed with the scientific potential of Banner's gamma-irradiated blood. Their encounter hints at Sterns' unethical ambitions, a clear foreshadowing of his transformation into The Leader.

The film concludes with Sterns beginning to mutate after an injury, setting the stage for his evolution into a gamma-powered antagonist as smart as Hulk is strong. This storyline is picked up in Brave New World, where Sterns, now The Leader, emerges from obscurity. After being taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, as revealed in The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, Sterns eventually escapes and becomes central to a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross.

Sterns' intelligence and potential involvement in President Ross' transformation into Red Hulk, as well as his interest in the newly introduced adamantium, make him a dangerous adversary for Captain America and Falcon (Danny Ramirez) to face.

Liv Tyler returns to the MCU in Brave New World, reprising her role as Betty Ross, marking her first appearance since The Incredible Hulk. Betty, who initially met and fell in love with Bruce Banner in college, played a crucial role in his transformation into the Hulk. Despite her strained relationship with her father, General Ross, she continued to support Banner, even as he became a fugitive.

Betty's return to the MCU raises questions about her current role and relationship with her father, now the President of the United States. Her expertise in gamma research might be pivotal, and there’s potential for her to become the Red She-Hulk, as seen in the comics.

The connection to The Incredible Hulk is unmistakable with Harrison Ford stepping into the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, previously portrayed by William Hurt. Ross, who first appeared as a military general intent on controlling the Hulk, has since evolved into the President of the United States in Brave New World.

His journey through the MCU includes pivotal roles in the formation of the Sokovia Accords and the pursuit of rogue Avengers. Now, as President, Ross seeks to forge a new alliance with the Avengers, represented by Sam Wilson. However, an assassination attempt leads to his transformation into the Red Hulk, drawing him deeper into a conspiracy involving The Leader and the coveted adamantium.

The introduction of adamantium in Brave New World sets the stage for a new global arms race, with Ross at the center, aiming to harness this powerful resource for national security.

Despite Brave New World being a direct continuation of The Incredible Hulk's narrative, Bruce Banner, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, is noticeably absent. Since his last major appearance, Banner has merged with the Hulk, gaining control over his powers and becoming a respected member of the Avengers.

His absence could be due to his current commitments with his gamma-powered family, including his cousin Jen Walters (She-Hulk) and son Skaar. While a cameo or post-credits appearance remains possible, it seems that Captain America will have to tackle Red Hulk and The Leader without the Hulk's direct assistance.

The film sets the stage for future MCU developments, hinting at the ongoing story of the Avengers and the introduction of new elements like adamantium, which could have far-reaching implications for the Marvel Universe.