Captain America: Brave New World Unpacked: Secrets of Red Hulk, Celestial Island & That Cameo!

WARNING: SPOILERS:This text reveals key plot details of “Captain America: Brave New World,” currently showing in cinemas.

The iconic Captain America has made a comeback, bringing with him several familiar faces from “The Incredible Hulk,” “Eternals,” and other parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Anthony Mackie steps up as the new Captain America following his rise to the role in the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” Alongside him, Danny Ramirez steps in as the new Falcon, Joaquin Torres, and Carl Lumbly returns as the seasoned super soldier, Isaiah Bradley.

“Captain America: Brave New World” welcomes the reemergence of characters from the 2008 MCU film “The Incredible Hulk,” marking their first appearance in over a decade and a half. Tim Blake Nelson reprises his role as the scientist Samuel Sterns, now evolved into a more sinister persona. Liv Tyler returns as Betty Ross, the daughter of General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and former love interest of Bruce Banner. The role of General Ross, now President of the United States, is taken on by Harrison Ford, following the passing of William Hurt who originally portrayed him.

The movie also features a reappearance from Tiamut the Celestial from the 2021 MCU film “Eternals,” marking the first instance of another “Eternals” character appearing in a live-action format since their debut.

Anthony Mackie as Captain America

Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, last seen in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” has now officially taken on the shield of Captain America. He’s been tasked by President Ross to reassemble the Avengers and lead them.

Harrison Ford as Thunderbolt Ross/Red Hulk

In the MCU, Harrison Ford emerges as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. After an accident involving gamma-irradiated pills, Ross transforms into the Red Hulk and clashes with Captain America. Eventually, he surrenders himself to the authorities at the Raft prison and instructs Sam to rebuild the Avengers.

Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns/Leader

Tim Blake Nelson returns as Samuel Sterns, evolving from his role in “The Incredible Hulk” to the villainous Leader with advanced intellect and a green hue. He masterminds the plot that transforms Ross into the Red Hulk as a form of retaliation. Sterns ends up imprisoned in the Raft, hinting at the existence of alternate dimensions within the MCU.

Celestial Island

The film revisits past MCU elements, including the Celestial from “Eternals,” Tiamut, who has been turned into stone and stranded in the ocean. This so-called Celestial Island, rich in resources like adamantium, becomes a focal point of international dispute, linking back to the X-Men universe as it is the material used in Wolverine’s claws.

Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes

Sebastian Stan makes a brief appearance as Bucky Barnes, offering guidance to Sam and revealing his own political ambitions as he prepares to serve as a U.S. congressman.

Liv Tyler as Betty Ross

Liv Tyler reprises her role as Betty Ross from “The Incredible Hulk.” Now estranged from both her father and ex-boyfriend Bruce Banner, she experiences a poignant reunion with her father after he is incarcerated.

Danny Ramirez as Falcon

Danny Ramirez, introduced in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” officially joins as the new Falcon, sporting a costume similar yet distinct from Sam’s previous gear. His character survives a crash and receives an invitation from Sam to join the new Avengers lineup.

Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley

Carl Lumbly returns as Isaiah Bradley, previously a victim of experimentation, who is now wrongfully accused and controlled by Sterns. Captain America steps in to clear his name and secure his release.

Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph

Shira Haas assists Cap as Ruth Bat-Seraph, a reimagined version of the comic book character Sabra. Her backstory has been altered from the original, sparking some controversy over the changes.

Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder

Giancarlo Esposito plays Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent Society and the initial antagonist Captain America confronts. His character hints at deeper connections to other villains and promises future confrontations.