Liv Tyler's epic return to MCU: The Incredible Hulk's legacy reborn

Sixteen years after her debut as Betty Ross in The Incredible Hulk, Liv Tyler is making a grand return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Captain America: New World Order. This momentous return not only revives her character but also breathes new life into The Incredible Hulk’s often overlooked legacy. Despite the film’s divisive reception and the subsequent recasting of Hulk with Mark Ruffalo, Tyler’s re-emergence is a significant nod to the MCU's early days.

The Incredible Hulk: A forgotten gem?

The Incredible Hulk, often seen as an outlier in the MCU, struggled with rights issues and a lack of sequel continuity. However, recent developments, including the return of Emil Blonsky in Shang-Chi and She-Hulk, have started reintegrating elements of this early MCU installment. The upcoming Captain America: New World Order seems to be shaping up as a spiritual successor to The Incredible Hulk, featuring not just Tyler’s Betty Ross, but also her father, Thunderbolt Ross (now played by Harrison Ford), and Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns transforming into the Leader. Liv Tyler’s portrayal of Betty Ross was a cornerstone of The Incredible Hulk, and her return is stirring up significant interest in her character’s evolution.

Unraveling Betty Ross' past

Betty Ross, portrayed by Liv Tyler, was one of the MCU's inaugural characters. Her intricate history with Bruce Banner, her work in cellular biology, and her tumultuous relationship with her father, all played out in The Incredible Hulk. Her story took dramatic turns, especially when Banner transformed into the Hulk, fundamentally altering their lives. Betty’s subsequent absence from the MCU left many questions unanswered. As reported by Screen Rant, an interview with the Russo Brothers revealed that Betty was a victim of the Blip, adding another layer to her already complex history.

Also read: When 'Captain America: New World Order' Welcomed Harrison Ford: 'The New Thunderbolt Leader Has Arrived!' 

The future of Betty Ross in Captain America 4

With Captain America: New World Order, Betty Ross’s role in the evolving narrative of the MCU is a subject of much speculation. Her scientific expertise, especially in gamma radiation, could be pivotal in the film's plot, particularly considering the Leader's involvement. However, with the focus rightfully on Sam Wilson’s Captain America, Betty’s role might be more subdued, avoiding overshadowing the film's primary storyline. While fans may fantasize about her transforming into Red She-Hulk or the Harpy, such developments seem unlikely at this stage. Nevertheless, her return, coupled with the appearances of other The Incredible Hulk characters, sets the stage for a potential sequel that fully integrates this early chapter into the broader MCU tapestry.

Also read: She-Hulk: Attorney at Law new promo still and art gives us our best look at the hero in full costume

The Incredible Hulk's enduring impact

Liv Tyler's return as Betty Ross is more than just a nostalgic nod; it represents the MCU's ongoing efforts to weave together its sprawling narrative, ensuring even its earliest chapters are not forgotten. Her presence in Captain America: New World Order not only pays homage to The Incredible Hulk but also promises to expand on her character's untold story, enriching the MCU's ever-growing universe.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)