Liv Tyler Has Been Missing From The MCU For Years. Now, Captain America: Brave New World’s Director Explained Why Bringing Her Back Was A ‘No-Brainer’

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Recall Betty Ross, Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross’ daughter? It’s understandable if you don’t, given she hasn’t appeared since 2008 in the film “The Incredible Hulk”, only the second Marvel movie in sequence. However, after a 17-year absence, Liv Tyler is rejoining the superhero series for “Captain America: Brave New World”, and director Julius Onah shares why it was an obvious decision to bring her character back at this time.

In a visit to The Official Marvel Podcast, Onah elaborated on his role in creating Captain America: Brave New World, explaining why incorporating Betty Ross into the narrative was a valuable decision. He articulated this point using these words:

It was almost inevitable that Liv was included in the storyline, given her authentic, human qualities. The bond she forms with Thaddeus Ross significantly influences his character development, as he grapples with establishing his legacy and transforming both personally and professionally.

Thunderbolt Ross, previously seen less often in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), returned to the screen eight years after “The Incredible Hulk” was released, appearing in “Captain America: Civil War”. Since then, William Hurt portrayed the character in four more films – “Avengers: Infinity War”, “Avengers: Endgame”, and both “Black Widow” and his latest role. Now, Harrison Ford has stepped into the shoes of Thunderbolt Ross. In “Captain America: Brave New World”, Ross is now the President of the United States, and as promotional materials have revealed, he will undergo a transformation into Red Hulk under unclear circumstances.

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I can’t help but feel intrigued about Betty Ross reappearing in the next Captain America film, as Director Julius Onah hinted. Since Liv Tyler portrayed Betty so beautifully before, it makes perfect sense for her to step back into the role considering Thunderbolt Ross’ significant part in the narrative. Leaving us with Betty at the end of The Incredible Hulk, she was heartbroken over losing Bruce Banner yet again. It’s worth noting that this emotional struggle has never been referenced since Mark Ruffalo took on the role, so it’s a bittersweet thought that Betty and Bruce won’t share the screen again. Perhaps there’s hope if the rumored World War Hulk film comes to fruition.

Moving on, it’s exciting to imagine Liv Tyler returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It would be intriguing to learn about what she’s been doing in the intervening years through Brave New World. Additionally, Julius Onah’s comments regarding Thunderbolt Ross towards the end have raised some concerns. With the Red Hulk transformation and other complex plotlines, it seems plausible that he may not survive until the end of the movie. If this were to occur, Betty’s response would undoubtedly be emotional, as they might not be on the best terms, but he is still her father.

Betty Ross isn’t the only character from “The Incredible Hulk” making a comeback in “Captain America: Brave New World”. Tim Blake Nelson is also returning as Samuel Sterns, who was last seen grinning as Bruce Banner’s blood dripped onto his open head wound. Now transformed into The Leader, this gamma-irradiated villain seems to be the one manipulating events in the movie, and I can’t wait to find out what he’s been up to over the years.

With only a week left until “Captain America: Brave New World” hits theaters, it’s a great time to refresh your memory by streaming “The Incredible Hulk” and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” on Disney+. These shows will bring you up to speed before the movie premieres.

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2025-02-07 02:38