Shocking Returns: Every MCU Character You Didn't Expect in Captain America: Brave New World!

Initially, 2008’s film “The Incredible Hulk” wasn’t originally planned to be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but as time passed, the universe has made efforts to include it. For instance, a reference to Hulk’s battle with Abomination in Harlem was made in 2012’s “The Avengers”. Later, William Hurt reappeared as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War”, followed by brief appearances in “Avengers: Infinity War”, “Avengers: Endgame”, and “Black Widow”. In the upcoming “Captain America: Brave New World“, Ross, now played by Harrison Ford, is expected to have a significant role as the antagonist. However, who else might return? A hint, there are some characters we haven’t seen since that initial MCU film featuring the giant, green character with a gentle heart.

In the upcoming film of Brave New World, several newcomers have joined the cast who, if they make it through this movie, might reappear in future Marvel Cinematic Universe stories. Among these fresh faces are Rosa Salazar from Alita: Battle Angel taking on Diamondback, Giancarlo Esposito from Breaking Bad portraying Sidewinder, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson from Vikings: Valhalla as Copperhead, and Takehiro Hira from Shogun stepping into the role of Prime Minister Ozaki.

Sam Wilson / Captain America (Anthony Mackie)

Of course, Anthony Mackie reprises his role as Sam Wilson in this upcoming film. For the first time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the story is centered around him. Moreover, unlike previous appearances where he played Falcon, this time, he’ll be taking on the full mantle of Captain America from start to finish. It’s a challenging task to fill Chris Evans’ shoes as Captain America, but Mackie shares similar charm and likability, so it will be intriguing to see if the movie’s popularity matches that of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which seems to be the most fitting comparison given that The First Avenger was released during the early days of the MCU and Civil War was essentially Avengers 2.5.

Although “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” has its flaws, it’s an ambitious show that effectively paved the way for “Brave New World.” Bucky Barnes might find himself teaming up with the Thunderbolts, but this Disney+ series skillfully demonstrated that Mackie’s Captain America is more than competent to shine in the limelight. This was particularly evident during his powerful speech towards the end of the series.

Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford)

General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross is back, but there are some changes. Firstly, he’s now serving as the President of the United States. Secondly, instead of being played by the same famous actor, he’ll be portrayed by a different Hollywood icon. Lastly, his transformation into something he’s spent a significant part of his life detesting is imminent. To make matters worse, this transformation will not only occur but it will be a far more vile version of what he’s always despised.

Regardless of how Ross’ story unfolds in “Captain America: Brave New World,” it’s an appropriate character development for him. What he always thought the Hulk would be (with some justification), he has now turned into. It’s unfortunate that William Hurt didn’t get to stay with the MCU throughout this entire arc, but Harrison Ford does a commendable job as his replacement.

Samuel Sterns / The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson)

Thaddeus Ross has had some appearances since the movie “The Incredible Hulk,” but other primary characters like Tim Blake Nelson’s Doctor Samuel Sterns, who was initially planned to become the villainous Leader in a sequel of “The Incredible Hulk,” haven’t. However, it seems that this won’t stay as is anymore.

Among the characters in Brave New World that provoke curiosity about their function within the storyline, none are more intriguing than the Leader. It’s somewhat unexpected given Tim Blake Nelson’s charming acting talent that he didn’t have a role in any Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) productions between The Incredible Hulk and Brave New World. However, similar to Tim Roth’s return in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Nelson is another Incredible Hulk actor who has reappeared on the scene, potentially in a manner that viewers won’t foresee.

Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly)

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier left an indelible mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe by revealing more about those affected by the Super Soldier Serum, including African American test subjects who, in the government’s eyes, were not as commercially appealing as a character like Steve Rogers.

The government seemed to have unfairly coerced Isaiah Bradley into serving three decades in prison for actions he was compelled to perform due to mind control, a procedure he didn’t voluntarily agree to. The upcoming series trailer for Brave New World suggests that Bradley will be forced to do something dreadful against his wishes once more, potentially creating a heavy burden on Sam Wilson as he works to establish Bradley’s innocence.

Betty Ross (Liv Tyler)

In a different perspective, if General Ross didn’t always view Bruce Banner as expendable, it could be debated that he is an antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who may have been correct more often than not. This becomes particularly evident when he temporarily sets aside his deep-seated fear and hatred of the Hulk to protect his daughter, Betty, from harm.

Discussing Betty Ross, she’s set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after a 17-year absence, with Liv Tyler reprising her role. It’s been puzzling why the younger Ross character was seldom mentioned by Bruce Banner in the past. Considering the rocky romantic history between Banner and Natasha Romanoff in Avengers: Age of Ultron, it’s not unprecedented for Tyler’s character to make a comeback. Despite the past, she’s returning, and it appears that her role this time might involve soothing her father more than ever before. This seems crucial given the current state of his emotional well-being.

Joaquín Torres / The Falcon (Danny Ramirez)

In “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Danny Ramirez’s character Lieutenant Joaquín Torres first appears as a supportive comrade to Wilson and a reliable source of information. He fills Wilson in on events that transpired during the Blip, making him an appealing figure. As the story unfolds, he plays a crucial role in helping Wilson track down the Flag Smashers and eventually defeat them.

In “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” viewers discovered that Torres would take on the Falcon role, much like when Steve Rogers handed over the Captain America mantle to Wilson. It’s quite possible that Torres will play a significant part in “Brave New World” just as he did in the Disney+ series leading up to it.

Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters February 14th.

2025-01-25 22:10

Shocking Returns: Every MCU Character You Didn’t Expect in Captain America: Brave New World!