A Bit Of Green? How To Fix: Captain America Brave New World

Exactly seventeen years back, “The Incredible Hulk” featuring Edward Norton hit the screens – a movie that nowadays doesn’t hold much significance within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), although it was initially meant to have a completely different impact on the franchise.

In the past, Marvel’s strategy was to debut two films first and assess their performance to decide if other comic book characters would get standalone blockbuster movies. The movie featuring the green gamma giant was intended as the flagship, while a relatively unknown superhero, who was on the brink of losing his career, was expected to capitalize on its popularity: Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man.

However, events unfolded unexpectedly: Iron Man came to symbolize the MCU much like Pikachu embodies Pokémon, on the other hand, prior to portraying Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. had a similar impact as Hulk does now.

Why am I telling you all this?

Because understanding this could have been the key to making Marvel’s latest movie actually good.

I Want Endgame, Boohoo!

It’s unfair for Captain America: Brave New World to receive such severe criticisms from its fanbase. Although it might not rank as the top Marvel Cinematic Universe film, it certainly delivers enjoyable blockbuster entertainment and effectively generates suspense during certain scenes.

A significant portion of the criticism is rooted in the overall feeling among fans about Marvel Studios, along with the recurring comment that “No film has been as impressive since Endgame” (excluding those who whine about it being the “M-She-U” now).

While it’s important to note that the movie does exhibit several issues, it’s worth discussing potential improvements. The narrative and execution could have benefited from different choices, such as avoiding certain questionable decisions. Additionally, reducing the use of excessive close-ups during dialogue scenes and minimizing the blur effects in backgrounds might have enhanced the overall viewing experience. Essentially, we can imagine adjustments that would allow Captain America to save not only the day on screen, but also the movie itself – a task our hero is well accustomed to.

Keep in mind that there’s no solution for improving the film unless you delve deeply into it. (This might contain some spoilers, so proceed with caution!)

Cap, Hulk, and Hulk

To maintain a balanced narrative flow, let’s avoid delving deeply into queries such as “Why didn’t the Leader transform Ross into the Hulk sooner or with more control?” and “Why was the post-credit scene employed to hint at the multiverse when that concept has been previously established for quite some time now?” This way, we can focus on the main storyline without getting bogged down by unnecessary speculations.

Rather than organizing our rescue operation based on generic roles, let’s design it around three pivotal figures from the movie: Sam Wilson, taking up the mantle of Captain America; President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, who transforms into the Red Hulk; and, surprisingly, Bruce Banner, a character who wasn’t present in the film but would have significantly contributed to our mission.

Remember 17 Years Ago…?

But why the classic Hulk, of all characters?

At some point during the planning stages, someone came up with a clever concept: they decided to make “Captain America: Brave New World” a sequel to the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk“. As a result, the movie isn’t just filled with subtle references and winks; instead, it centers around significant plot points from the original film that was initially intended to be the cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

But that film wasn’t the flagship.

It’s quite unexpected that Marvel decided to revive Samuel Sterns from his grave, a character hinted at in the post-credits scene of The Incredible Hulk, where he transformed into The Leader. After being absent for 17 years, this forgotten character is now the main antagonist of the movie?

Re-introducing Sterns, causing tension with character Thaddeus Ross, developing a side storyline involving his daughter Betty, and asking the audience to follow these developments after almost two decades, at the very least, raises some doubts about coherence.

Given that some viewers perceive The Incredible Hulk as only partially canonical since at the time, Bruce Banner was portrayed by Edward Norton instead of Mark Ruffalo.

Indeed, it’s none other than Bruce Banner who might have held the potential to elevate Brave New World into an exceptional movie, particularly when considering his connection with Sam Wilson.

The Problem With Sam Wilson

Marvel Studios seems to anticipate viewers will recall the 2008 film, The Incredible Hulk, but also aims for audiences to possibly have let go of their memories about The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which was released only four years ago.

Not just by the audience – but seemingly by the characters, too.

Because Sam Wilson doesn’t seem to remember what he learned after receiving Steve Rogers’ shield.

In the thrilling world of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” I, Sam Wilson, discovered that embracing Captain America isn’t just about a fresh title. I felt it deeply when I was unfairly targeted by police officers, a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by marginalized communities. Later, uncovering the heart-wrenching tale of the first Black super soldier, Isaiah Bradley, hit home the responsibility that comes with this symbol. Now, I understand that I must embody Captain America for a modern, inclusive America.

In the beginning, the film portrays Sam as comfortable with his new position, yet consistently ponders if he truly merits the title of Captain America within the narrative of Brave New World.

Despite triumphing on the battlefield, shouldering the ethical burdens of his position, and being given a chance by President Thaddeus Ross to reassemble the Avengers – Sam remains uncertain about his abilities.

Better A Red President Than An Orange One

Who would have thought, just a few years ago, that we’d see Harrison Ford in the MCU?

Regrettably, the demise of William Hurt meant that Ford assumed the role of Thunderbolt Ross. However, unlike his predecessor who sported the traditional military uniform and mustache, Ross opted for a clean-shaven look and donned a more modern, presidential attire instead.

And, of course – he’s the Red Hulk!

In an attempt to surprise viewers with a surprising plot twist in the third act, it seems the makers of the film were oblivious to the fact that their marketing team had already given away the secret. The trailers, billboards, and toy figurines featuring the Red Hulk made it impossible for the character’s identity to remain a mystery.

Given that the element of surprise has already been exploited, Marvel might have found a more engaging approach to introduce this character. However, the execution seems somewhat comical instead.

Twice, Ross undergoes a metamorphosis; one instance occurs during a casual press conference held under a bright, sunny sky. Another time, it happens amidst the tension of a world war on a rocking military vessel, with a titanic Adamantium figure rising from the Earth.

Yup. It’s the chill press event that finally makes Ross Hulk out.

And when he does appear, his big moment is… underwhelming.

Bullets have no impact on him; soldiers continue to fire. He leaps onto a structure. Still, the soldiers persist in their shooting. He rips off a wall section and throws it away. The soldiers pause momentarily to reload, only to fire more ineffective rounds.

Nothing about Red Hulk’s reveal feels impressive.

Brave New Ending

From a fan’s perspective, the face-off between Captain America and Red Hulk doesn’t exactly set my heart racing with anticipation, given that I’ve already seen Cap go toe-to-toe with colossal adversaries, marvel at his innovative gear and the swiftness of his vibranium wings in action, and even caught a glimpse of the Hulk reducing tech-savvy foes to rubble. So, while it’s always thrilling to see these iconic characters clash, I must admit that I’m not expecting any groundbreaking twists this time around.

A unique spectacle, potentially crucial for the movie’s success, was an epic battle between two Hulks that had not been witnessed before.

Previously in this text, I referred to Mark Ruffalo’s character as the Green Hulk; now, let’s delve into his role.

It’s not just that having Bruce Banner appear in the story when his main opponents, Sterns and Ross, are prominently involved makes for a more logical narrative flow. Instead, it offers an opportunity to delve into each character’s moral complexities as he serves as a powerful figure with potential implications for their personal growth.

Given that Red Hulk’s appearance alongside Harrison Ford was widely anticipated, it seems more fitting for the ruby-tinted giant to debut earlier in the film, engaging in an initial conflict with Banner’s Hulk. A dramatic encounter between the two on the warship, culminating in their transformations, would have undeniably made for a breathtaking spectacle.

Introducing two gamma beasts in the MCU (excluding Abomination) would have been unprecedented, providing a spectacular spectacle for trailers, and more importantly, showcasing the vast power disparity between Ross and Wilson. A Hulk fighting another Hulk presents a whole new level of danger.

In a hypothetical scenario, it would have been Banner who suffered defeat in the fight. Consequently, Sam Wilson, their colleague despite limited interactions in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, would have had to step in and save his friend by taking him to safety. Meanwhile, as the rampaging Red Hulk, Ross would have wreaked havoc across America.

At this juncture, Sam might find himself plunged into a profound predicament. Despite being certain he possessed the necessary qualities for the role of Cap, the immense power of his adversaries could have left him feeling completely helpless and despairing about the situation.

In simpler terms, discussing with the wounded Banner, he’d clarify that this very aspect – Steve Rogers embodying hope even in hopeless scenarios – was what truly defined his character. This understanding would strike Sam, revealing that it wasn’t so much about him discovering hope, but rather, allowing others to find hope through him.

In the end, Banner and Captain America would face off against Red Hulk in a decisive battle. As Banner was still recovering, the task of challenging Ross fell upon Sam Wilson.

In this setting, Sam will leverage his recent insights about Captain America’s resilience to convey to Ross that they might be able to devise a plan to tackle all these challenges: his metamorphosis into Red Hulk, the erosion of public trust, the approaching conflict, and mending his strained bond with his daughter, Betty.

In Wilson, Red Hulk would discover the hope he thought was gone – the absence that set off his initial transformation – and ultimately find peace. The scene fades to darkness.

Through this approach, each of the three characters would experience substantial growth, setting the stage for future Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stories centered around the Avengers. After 17 years since The Incredible Hulk’s introduction, we would have finally concluded that narrative thread within the MCU. In the process, the movie – initially not intended to be a defining moment – would have taken on a fresh and significant meaning.

2025-02-27 19:41