Captain America: Brave New World almost gave the MCU the perfect reason to put not one, but two original Avengers back into the spotlight. Although the fourth Captain America film marked a new era going forward without Steve Rogers’ Captain America, another original Avenger played a key role in the film without actually showing up. The past events of The Incredible Hulk factor greatly into President Ross’ Brave New World story, making Bruce Banner relevant without Ruffalo actually having a role in the film.

Ross’ decisions and actions in The Incredible Hulk were shown to affect his political career as other world leaders had a hard time trusting him. His rage eventually unleashes in the Red Hulk form, which Sam Wilson’s Captain America fights to contain. Even though he is a hero, Sam is ultimately a regular human with no genetic enhancements. The question of how he was going to hold his own against the Red Hulk was a big topic of discussion before the film’s release, and this storyline almost allowed Marvel to sneak another original Avenger into the movie.

President Ross Becoming Red Hulk Was The Perfect Excuse To Bring Back The Original Avenger Who Fought The Hulk Twice

Few other MCU heroes have gone up against the Hulk, but Thor has done it twice. He first fought him on the Helicarrier in The Avengers, then again in Thor: Ragnarok while fighting in the Grandmaster’s Contest of Champions. Though there was no clear winner in either instance as neither was really trying to hurt the other, it was evident that Thor was able to hold his own against the Hulk and vice versa. Red Hulk might not be exactly the same as Banner’s Hulk, but Thor at least has experience fighting this sort of physiology.

If Sam had to call someone for backup in his fight against Ross, Thor would’ve been the best option. Of course, calling upon the Asgardian probably wouldn’t be that simple, but Sam and Thor did cross paths during the Battle of Earth in Avengers: Endgame, so it wouldn’t feel that far out of the question. Now that the original Avengers have taken a backseat in the MCU, this could’ve been the perfect way to interconnect them with the newer heroes.

Captain America: Brave New World’s Red Hulk Timing Means It Was Essentially Impossible To Bring Heroes In For The Final Fight

No matter how much help Thor would’ve been for the Red Hulk fight, Sam was destined to endure it on his own. The focus is supposed to be on Sam and how he steps up as Captain America, so it makes sense that he’s forced into the final fight alone despite not being an even match. Brave New World makes this work by giving Sam a very limited time to prepare for the fight. He basically finds out about Red Hulk while Ross is actively turning, meaning he has to rush straight over without much of a game plan.

If Sam had known about the Red Hulk in advance of the fight and had more time to prepare, he likely would’ve called in reinforcements. Though with how the plot played out, it was a good choice by Marvel to leave out any additional heroes. Having them randomly appear just for the final fight would’ve felt incredibly contrived and taken away from Sam’s moment. Captain America: Brave New World could’ve been the MCU’s chance to bring back an original Avenger in Thor, but it ultimately works best that they left him out.

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