‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Director On What It Took To Get Liv Tyler Back in the MCU

Liv Tyler is back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Dr. Betty Ross again in Captain America: Brave New World. She hasn’t appeared in a Marvel film since The Incredible Hulk in 2008. Getting her to return wasn’t simple, but director Julius Onah made it happen with a personal approach.

Onah reached out to Tyler early in the process because her role was part of the film’s plan from the start. He needed to confirm her involvement well ahead of time. Their conversation happened over Zoom, likely in early 2023, to allow enough time for deals and preparation. Onah explained that if she couldn’t join due to scheduling or other issues, they’d have room to adjust the story.

Tyler had taken a break from acting to focus on her personal life, which made her return uncertain. Onah described her as a wonderful person and said he was honest with her about the film’s goals. “We knew Liv was willing to come back when I had a Zoom with her. You dream these things, you work these things out, but then you just have to actually go talk to the human being,” he said.

He added, “But I just went and did a Zoom and had a very honest conversation with her, like I did with every other actor who was going to become involved, as to emotionally and thematically what this movie was trying to accomplish and why I thought it would be worth their time and their talents. Luckily, she responded.”

In the movie, Betty appears near the end. She visits her father, Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, who is now played by Harrison Ford after William Hurt’s passing. Ross has turned into Red Hulk and caused chaos at the White House. Her short scene adds a deep emotional layer to the story. Originally, Tyler’s role was bigger, with a cut scene showing her and Sam Wilson at a funeral, but it didn’t make the final version.

Her return ties into Marvel’s push to bring back parts of The Incredible Hulk. Tim Blake Nelson also comes back as Samuel Sterns, now The Leader. While it’s not confirmed if Tyler will appear in future films, the movie keeps that possibility alive.

Onah stressed how important it was to lock in Tyler early. “It was right during the development process. I think I had the Zoom with her probably in early 2023 because it takes time to make a deal and prep and all that other stuff.

So, it had to be well in advance so that if for some reason it wasn’t going to work out, whether scheduling or whatnot, we would have the opportunity to make another choice or decision,” he said. His effort paid off, bringing a familiar face back to fans after years away.

I think Liv Tyler’s return is a smart move. It connects Captain America: Brave New World to The Incredible Hulk and adds heart to the story, even with her small role. Her scene with her father could set up more for both characters later. It’s great to see Marvel revisit older films like this.

What do you think about Liv Tyler coming back as Betty Ross? Should she get a bigger part in future MCU projects? Share your thoughts in the comments below!