Movies News Talk
Brave New World has several returning characters from The Incredible Hulk, but Bruce Banner shockingly isn't one of them. Captain America Although Mark Ruffalo apparently won't be seen alongside other Hulk characters in Captain America: Brave New World, his absence could be for the better. Though the fourth chapter in the Captain America series, the forthcoming 2025 MCU sequel has many returning characters from 2008's The Incredible Hulk. Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross is one familiar face; he plays President of the United States in the MCU chronology. Two characters who have been absent in the franchise for more than ten years will also be returning in the forthcoming Marvel release: the Leader and Betty Ross.
Given all these Hulk figures, Bruce Banner would make logical place in the narrative, but his absence from it seems already clear-cut. Though some uncertainty over the actor's remarks regarding the film, several sources verified that Ruffalo won't show up in the film according to Variety. Thus, even if Banner's MCU path isn't finished—especially following She-Hulk's events—it isn't set to carry on in Captain America: Brave New World. Although seeing Ruffalo's Banner interact with the returning cast of The Incredible Hulk would be fantastic, there are a few reasons why his absence is a positive thing.
Sam Wilson debuted as Captain America at the Falcon and the Winter Soldier, formally passing the shield over from Steve Rogers. His first film in public, Brave New World is also the first MCU production with Sam in the hero role. Sam has mostly been assigned to be more of a side character since first appearing in Captain America: The Winter Soldier; only starting to get more attention during the Disney+ show starring him and Bucky Barnes. Sam is at last being given the opportunity to be a major MCU superhero, and adding the Hulk would only take away from his shining moment.
Steve Rogers had The First Avenger to highlight his skills as an independent hero, even though Black Widow and Falcon in The Winter Soldier and almost the whole Avengers in Captain America: Civil War took front stage more. Sam deserves the same treatment, particularly in this pivotal time to establish him as the new Captain America. Should he be the Avengers' next leader in Avengers 5, he also has to prove his leadership qualities.
Since Iron Man from 2008, the MCU has had a shared issue with its villains. Many of its antagonists have same abilities as the heroes, which results in a recurrent final battle for many viewers. Iron Man vs. Ironmonger, Ant-Man vs. Yellow Jacket, Black Panther vs. Killmonger, Captain America vs. The Winter Soldier, and Shang-Chi vs. Wenwu are few instances of this. In his climax fight with the Abomination, Hulk also suffered from this cliché in The Incredible Hulk.
Based on the first Brave New World teaser, Thunderbolt Ross will finally become Red Hulk. Red Hulk might not be the main villain of the movie, but a conflict will apparently develop between him and Captain America. Should the Hulk get involved, two similarly-powered characters fighting each other would carry on the tired MCU villain pattern. Given viewers had already seen Hulk fight Abomination, it would also be repetitious. Given Red Hulk's great disadvantage, it's more fascinating to see how Captain America will handle him.
Among the MCU's most often seen recurring characters is The Hulk. Bruce Banner has appeared in every Avengers film since his 2008 debut, and the Hulk was major player in She-Hulk and Thor: Ragnarok. The character hasn't had a solo project, though, since The Incredible Hulk. Edward Norton played the part at the time, thus Ruffalo still hasn't been given an independent Hulk narrative; instead, he usually serves in a supporting part for other heroes in their own films.
Placing Banner in Captain America would only serve to reinforce Hulk's side-heroic role rather than forward the Hulk in an isolated narrative. There is still plenty of narrative potential for Ruffalo's Hulk to follow up on in the franchise since the MCU presented an intriguing storyline for the character by debuting his son - and She-Hulk is now part of the MCU world - and this would ideally be approached by giving him his own starring role.
Release date
Deadpool & Wolverine - July 26, 2024
Captain America: February 14, 2025 - Brave New World
Thunderbolt: May 5, 2025
The Fantastic Four July 25, 2025
November 7, 2025 is the Blade date.
Marvels: The Kang Dynasty - May 1, 2026
Secret Wars: Avengers - May 7, 2027