Sam Wilson And Red Hulk Recap: 10 Things To Know From Previous Marvel Movies & Shows Before Captain America: Brave New World

Captain America: Brave New World is set to be a major turning point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing Sam Wilson’s journey as Captain America to the forefront while also addressing new and old narratives from the MCU timeline. With the return of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, now played by Harrison Ford, and the re-emergence of Dr. Samuel Sterns, it’s exciting to see how past MCU events will tie into the next chapter.

Captain America: Brave New World is the fourth installment in the Captain America film series, but the first without Steve Rogers. The film explores political tensions within the U.S. government, with Thaddeus Ross now serving as President and embroiled in controversial military initiatives. Meanwhile, the return of Dr. Samuel Sterns hints at a new scientific threat, possibly connected to the long-dormant storyline from The Incredible Hulk. With the emergence of new threats and the resurfacing of old ones, Sam Wilson’s resolve as Captain America will be tested like never before.

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Sam Wilson Has Already Become The New Captain America

The Falcon And The Winter Soldier

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In Avengers: Endgame, Steve Rogers chose Sam Wilson as his successor, handing him the iconic vibranium shield. However, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explored Sam’s reluctance to take on the mantle, particularly due to the racial and political implications of being a Black Captain America. Over the course of the series, Sam faced challenges from John Walker, the government-appointed replacement for Steve, and the extremist Flag Smashers, who sought to dismantle national borders.

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With the guidance of Bucky Barnes and Isaiah Bradley, Sam ultimately embraced his new role, donning a new Captain America suit and shield. By the finale, he had earned the public’s respect and redefined what it meant to be Captain America. In Brave New World, audiences will see Sam as a fully formed Cap, leading the charge in a world still adjusting to his presence as the new symbol of justice.

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Thaddeus Ross First Appeared As A General In The Incredible Hulk

The Incredible Hulk

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General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, portrayed by William Hurt, made his debut in The Incredible Hulk (2008). As a high-ranking military officer, Ross was obsessed with recreating the Super Soldier Serum that gave Steve Rogers his abilities. His experiments with gamma radiation inadvertently transformed Bruce Banner into the Hulk. Rather than admitting failure, Ross saw the Hulk as a potential weapon, relentlessly pursuing Banner to control him.

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In his desperation, Ross recruited Emil Blonsky, a skilled soldier, and subjected him to an early version of the serum, giving him increased strength and agility. Ross ultimately failed to achieve his goal and agrees to assist Banner in bringing down Abomination. His past obsession with Hulk and super-powered individuals sets the stage for his role in Brave New World, where he himself becomes Red Hulk, likely with some connection to these past events.

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Thaddeus Ross Was Last Seen As The US Secretary Of State

Black Widow/Avengers: Endgame

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After years in the military, Thaddeus Ross transitioned into politics, becoming the U.S. Secretary of State by the events of Captain America: Civil War. He was a major proponent of the Sokovia Accords, legislation designed to regulate superheroes following the destruction caused in Age of Ultron. Ross played a key role in the government’s crackdown on the Avengers, leading to their fracturing and the subsequent exile of Steve Rogers and his allies.

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Ross’s most recent live-action appearance was in Black Widow, which takes place between Civil War and Infinity War. In this film, he was seen hunting down Natasha Romanoff for violating the Accords. He also made brief appearances in Infinity War and Endgame, reflecting his continued influence over governmental policies regarding superhumans. With Ross now becoming President in Brave New World, his history of control and regulation overpowered individuals will likely take center stage.

7

Dr. Samuel Sterns Was Last Seen Being Infected With Hulk Blood

The Incredible Hulk

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Dr. Samuel Sterns, played by Tim Blake Nelson, was a scientist who assisted Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk. Sterns had been secretly communicating with Banner and experimenting with his gamma-infused blood, believing it could unlock new medical breakthroughs. However, when Emil Blonsky forced Sterns to use the blood to enhance his own abilities, the experiment went wrong, leading to Blonsky’s transformation into Abomination.

During the ensuing chaos, some of Banner’s blood dripped onto Sterns’ head through a wound, causing his cranium to begin expanding – a hint at his comic book transformation into The Leader, a hyper-intelligent villain. Since then, Sterns has been absent from the MCU, leaving his fate unresolved. With his return confirmed for Brave New World, audiences see how his mutation has progressed and what role he will play in the unfolding story.

6

Isaiah Bradley Is A Super Soldier

The Falcon And The Winter Soldier

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The Falcon and the Winter Soldier introduced Isaiah Bradley, a forgotten super-soldier who was secretly created by the U.S. government. During the Korean War, Bradley fought against enemies, including the Winter Soldier, but was later imprisoned for 30 years and subjected to unethical experiments. His existence was kept hidden from the public, a stark contrast to the glorified legacy of Steve Rogers.

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Sam Wilson’s interactions with Isaiah played a crucial role in his decision to take up the Captain America mantle, acknowledging both the heroism and injustices of the past. In the show’s finale, Sam ensured that Isaiah’s story was finally recognized by adding a tribute to him in the Captain America exhibit at the Smithsonian. Given the MCU’s focus on super-soldier history, Isaiah’s legacy may continue to influence the events of Brave New World.

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Joaquín Torres Is The New Falcon

The Falcon And The Winter Soldier

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Joaquín Torres, played by Danny Ramirez, debuted in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier as an enthusiastic Air Force lieutenant who assists Sam Wilson in tracking the Flag Smashers. Most notably, Torres explains to Sam what happened during the Blip and provides essential intel regarding the Flag Smashers’ actions. Throughout the series, Torres proves himself as a reliable ally, demonstrating skills in intelligence gathering and aerial combat.

By the end of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam officially passed down the EXO-7 Falcon wingsuit to Torres, signaling his transition into the new Falcon. Given Sam’s new responsibilities as Captain America, Torres will step up as his airborne counterpart in Brave New World. His presence marks the continuation of the Falcon legacy, ensuring that Sam Wilson’s former role remains an essential part of the MCU.

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Tiamut Emerged At The End Of Eternals

Eternals

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At the climax of Eternals, the team prevented the emergence of the Celestial Tiamut, whose birth would have destroyed Earth. Using their combined energy through the Uni-Mind, they transformed Tiamut into solid marble, leaving his massive body protruding from the ocean. This colossal statue remains a significant landmark on Earth, with the Celestial’s hand and head poking up from out of the sea. Yet, it has yet to be addressed in other MCU projects.

Tiamut appears in the trailer for Brave New World, suggesting that the MCU will finally address this unresolved narrative. The presence of Tiamut’s remains might fuel government interest in Celestial materials, advanced technology, or superhuman, possibly tying into Thaddeus Ross’s agenda. Whether or not the film deals with this cosmic event or simply acknowledges it, Tiamut’s emergence remains one of the most visually striking and world-altering moments in the MCU.

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The Last Completed Super Soldier Serum Has Been Exhausted

The Falcon And The Winter Soldier

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The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explored the resurgence of the Super Soldier Serum through scientist Wilfred Nagel, who successfully recreated a version of the formula. However, by the end of the series, all known vials of the serum had been used by the Flag Smashers or destroyed, with the exception of the one used by John Walker. This means that, as of now, there are no known completed reserves of the Super Soldier Serum in the MCU.

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However, given Thaddeus Ross’s history with super-soldier experiments, he may attempt to create a new version, potentially leading to his transformation into Red Hulk. Moreover, it’s not yet been revealed if Sam Wilson will take the Serum as part of his transformation into Captain America. Either way, the serum’s legacy will play a role in Captain America: Brave New World.

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Thaddeus Ross Has A Daughter Betty Who Dated Bruce Banner

The Incredible Hulk

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Betty Ross, played by Liv Tyler, is the daughter of Thaddeus Ross and a brilliant scientist in her own right. She was last seen in The Incredible Hulk as Bruce Banner’s love interest, standing by him despite his tragic transformation into the Hulk. Unlike her father, Betty sought to help Bruce control his condition rather than exploit it. After the events of that film, Betty disappeared from the MCU, with her fate left unknown.

Now, she returns in Brave New World, which could complicate the story given her father’s rise to power and transformation into Red Hulk. Betty’s return may reignite unresolved emotions between her and Bruce while also forcing her to confront the reality of her father becoming the very kind of monster he once tried to eliminate. Her role could be pivotal in the film’s emotional and political conflicts.

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Sam Wilson And Bucky Barnes Bonded Over Their History With Steve Rogers

The Falcon And The Winter Soldier

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Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes have a deep and complex bond, largely because of their mutual connection to Steve Rogers. Bucky, having been Steve’s best friend since childhood, was transformed into the Winter Soldier and spent decades as an unwilling assassin. Sam, on the other hand, became Steve’s closest ally in the modern era, standing by his side through the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War.

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Initially, Sam and Bucky were reluctant allies, often clashing due to their differing perspectives and personalities. However, through their shared battles in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, they came to respect and understand each other. Their friendship is built on trust, grief, and the legacy of Captain America, and in Captain America: Brave New World, this dynamic will likely continue to impact Sam Wilson’s journey.

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Captain America- Brave New World - Poster

Captain America: Brave New World

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Release Date

February 14, 2025

Director

Julius Onah

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    Anthony Mackie

    Sam Wilson / Captain America

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    Harrison Ford

    Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross / Red Hulk

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