Hulk's Shadow: 'Captain America' Film Sequels Incredible Storyline

Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise, stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, succeeding Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. Intriguingly, this film acts as a long-awaited sequel to The Incredible Hulk, resolving plot threads from the earlier movie.

The film features the return of several key characters from The Incredible Hulk:

Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader: Samuel Sterns, initially introduced as an ally to Bruce Banner, was exposed to Banner's gamma-irradiated blood, setting the stage for his transformation into The Leader. The film finally delivers on this long-teased development. His whereabouts since The Incredible Hulk are explained in the MCU-canon comic The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week, revealing his capture by S.H.I.E.L.D. before his eventual escape. His role in the conspiracy involving Captain America and President Ross, and his potential involvement with Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, remain to be seen. The Leader's enhanced intellect makes him a formidable adversary.

Liv Tyler's Betty Ross: Betty Ross, Bruce Banner's former love interest and daughter of Thunderbolt Ross, makes her return. Her past involvement in Project Gamma Pulse and her complex relationship with her father are revisited. Her role in the current events of Brave New World and whether she will become Red She-Hulk, as in the comics, remains a mystery.

Harrison Ford's President Ross/Red Hulk: The film centers around President Ross, played by Harrison Ford, who takes over the role from the late William Hurt. His history of conflict with the Hulk and his pursuit of controlling superhuman threats are central to the plot. The film shows Ross's transformation into Red Hulk, a significant development mirroring the comics, though his motives and methods remain unclear. His ambition to control adamantium, a newly introduced super-metal, adds another layer to the conflict.

The introduction of adamantium, a powerful new metal, fuels a global arms race, significantly impacting the geopolitical landscape.

The Absence of the Hulk: The notable absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner/Hulk is the only thing preventing Brave New World from being considered The Incredible Hulk 2. While a cameo is not ruled out, Banner's current involvement with his expanding Hulk family (including Jen Walters and Skaar) might explain his absence.

The film promises a compelling narrative, exploring themes of cooperation and conflict between the Avengers and the US government, all while introducing new elements and resolving long-standing plot points. The question remains: will the new Captain America succeed against a Hulked-out President and The Leader?