Captain America: Brave New World Including Bruce Banner Would Feel Like A Copout

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Captain America: Brave New World Including Bruce Banner Would Feel Like A Copout

Key Takeaways

  • Red Hulk will be in Captain America: Brave New World, played by Harrison Ford.
  • Rumors suggest Mark Ruffalo might return as Bruce Banner, which could overshadow the main character.
  • The film doesn’t need Banner & should focus on Cap’s journey without him to showcase the hero’s growth.

As a long-time Marvel enthusiast who has followed Captain America’s journey since the early days of comics, I am both excited and apprehensive about the upcoming film, “Captain America: Brave New World.” The inclusion of Red Hulk, played by the legendary Harrison Ford, is undeniably thrilling. However, the rumors about Mark Ruffalo’s potential return as Bruce Banner have me a bit concerned.

In the upcoming movie “Captain America: Brave New World” by Marvel Studios, due out next year, we will see the debut of Red Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The role will be played by the renowned Harrison Ford, who recently gave fans a first glimpse of his Hulk character during Marvel Studios’ Hall H panel at this July’s San Diego Comic-Con. Alongside Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, Red Hulk will share the screen with Joaquin Torres’ Falcon and the sinister villain, The Leader. It is also rumored that one of the original Avengers may make an appearance in the film as well.

Speculation is rising that Mark Ruffalo might reprise his role as Bruce Banner for the upcoming movie. Having a founding Avenger like him in “Captain America: Brave New World” wouldn’t necessarily be undesirable. However, if Ruffalo’s character, the Hulk, makes an appearance, it could potentially outshine Samuel L. Jackson’s Captain America, who is set to take center stage in his own film for the first time.

Does Brave New World Need Bruce Banner?

Captain America: Brave New World Including Bruce Banner Would Feel Like A Copout

In terms of Bruce Banner, also known as the Avenger, he’s among the select characters who haven’t starred in a solo movie due to a rights issue that allows him to feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but prevents a standalone film because Universal holds the distribution rights. As a result, Marvel Studios often incorporates the character into other projects where it fits, delighting fans with Ruffalo’s portrayal of the Hulk and fostering growth for the character within the Marvel universe, all without the challenges associated with solo films. However, it seems unlikely that Captain America: Brave New World would significantly gain from Bruce Banner’s appearance. Following The Falcon and the Winter Soldier on Disney+, Captain America: Brave New World is poised to be Mackie’s debut as Captain America in a standalone film. The Disney+ series provided a brief sneak peek of the hero at work, but Brave New World will offer a full introduction to this fresh interpretation of Captain America. Alongside Cap, we can expect to see the new Falcon, Red Hulk, The Leader, Diamondback, Sabra, Betty Ross, and Sidewinder in the film.

Although some of these characters are indeed Hulk characters, last seen in “The Incredible Hulk”, it would be an error to reinstate Banner for this film. Introducing the Hulk, a character far stronger than Captain America, could eclipse Mackie’s hero. This could potentially undermine the narrative and Mackie’s progression as the main character. Therefore, while it may appear advantageous to bring Banner back for “Brave New World”, the storyline doesn’t fundamentally require his presence.

Why Banner’s Involvement Would be Wrong

From his debut in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson was primarily a supporting character and one of Captain America’s trusted associates alongside Bucky Barnes. Despite the audience’s fondness for Wilson, he played a secondary role until he received Captain America’s shield at the end of “Avengers: Endgame.” In the series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” we delved into how Wilson grappled with accepting the Captain America mantle and emulating Steve Rogers. By the conclusion, Wilson was prepared to soar as his own hero, although he harbored intricate feelings about it. In “Captain America: Brave New World,” Wilson fully embraces the role of Captain America. The first trailer reveals that Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross has plans for Captain America, forcing Wilson to determine what kind of hero he wishes to be by the end of the film. Given Mackie’s assertion that his Captain America lacks the serum that enhanced Rogers, it is crucial to witness him finding ways to contend, despite his disadvantages, as part of his character development. Consequently, it is advisable to exclude Bruce Banner from the movie.

In his films, Rogers, boosted by the super soldier serum, faced challenges. Regardless of how formidable he was, his strengths alone were insufficient for victory. Instead, it was his resilience that truly shone. If Wilson could embody this tenacity, it would be a strategic move, highlighting a shared trait between the two characters while acknowledging their unique heroic identities. Given that Wilson is set to confront numerous powerful adversaries in upcoming projects, Marvel Studios might benefit from allowing him to triumph on his own merits, rather than relying on external help such as the Hulk.

Captain America: Brave New World is slated to hit theaters on February 14th, 2025.

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2024-08-29 01:07