Captain America Comic Resonates with Hulk Fans

Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise, stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, succeeding Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. This film, however, isn't just a Captain America continuation; it's essentially The Incredible Hulk 2, revisiting key characters and plot threads from the original Hulk film.

This "sequel" features the return of several pivotal characters:

Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader: The Incredible Hulk introduced Samuel Sterns, an ally of Bruce Banner. Sterns's overzealous experiments with Banner's blood led to his transformation into The Leader, a highly intelligent gamma-powered villain. Brave New World finally delivers on this long-awaited development, showing Sterns's escape from S.H.I.E.L.D. custody and his involvement in a conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross. His potential connection to Ross's transformation into Red Hulk and his interest in adamantium remain intriguing plot points.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross: Betty Ross, Bruce Banner's former love interest and daughter of Thunderbolt Ross, also returns. Her past involvement in Project Gamma Pulse and her complicated relationship with her father are key elements. While her role in Brave New World remains unclear, her expertise in gamma research and the possibility of her becoming Red She-Hulk add layers of anticipation.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk: The most significant link to The Incredible Hulk is President Ross, played by Harrison Ford. Ross's long-standing obsession with controlling the Hulk, his strained relationship with Betty, and his instrumental role in creating the Abomination are all revisited. Brave New World depicts Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, a pivotal plot point seemingly driven by a desire to control adamantium and protect the nation. The film explores a more nuanced Ross, an elder statesman seeking reconciliation with his daughter and a new era of cooperation with the Avengers.

The Absence of Hulk: The only major difference between Brave New World and a true Incredible Hulk 2 is the absence of Bruce Banner/Hulk. While his inclusion would be logical given the plot's focus on gamma radiation and the return of his nemesis, his absence might be explained by his current family situation (including his son, Skaar) or other off-world commitments.

The introduction of adamantium as a new super-metal further complicates the geopolitical landscape, adding another layer to the already complex storyline. The film promises a thrilling confrontation between Captain America, Red Hulk, and The Leader, leaving audiences wondering if Captain America can overcome this conspiracy and defeat a Hulked-out President. The question remains: will Hulk make a surprise appearance?