Captain America: Brave New World has Marvel fans buzzing with anticipation, and one of the biggest questions swirling around is about the mysterious Red Hulk.
This formidable character is set to make his grand entrance in the MCU, and it’s stirring up quite a debate. Is the Red Hulk a hero, or is he a villain?
The upcoming film will be the first time we see Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a role he inherited from the late William Hurt. The trailer reveals Ross transforming into Red Hulk, a move that has fans both thrilled and curious.
Ross is no stranger to the MCU, but his evolution into the Red Hulk brings a new layer of complexity. This transformation has roots in the comics, where Ross has always had a tumultuous relationship with the Hulk.
The Red Hulk, much like his namesake, is a powerful entity driven by intense emotions, but he is primarily considered a villain. In the comics, Ross becomes Red Hulk through a series of experiments involving gamma radiation and cosmic rays, which amplify his already intense persona. He retains his military mindset, using his new powers to further his agenda, often clashing with established heroes.
Red Hulk’s Complex History and Powers
General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross has been around since 1962, first appearing in The Incredible Hulk #1, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Ross has always been a high-ranking military officer, obsessed with capturing the Hulk, stemming from a deep-seated resentment of Bruce Banner. His transformation into the Red Hulk is a culmination of his frustrations and his relentless pursuit of power.
In the comics, Red Hulk’s identity was initially a mystery, only revealed after several intense encounters with other characters.
“Ross was transformed into the Red Hulk using radiation siphoned from the Hulk.”
This transformation gave him incredible strength, stamina, and durability, along with unique abilities like generating intense heat and absorbing energy. These powers make him a formidable opponent, capable of holding his own against some of the strongest heroes in the Marvel universe.
In Captain America: Brave New World, Ross, now President of the United States, is shown grappling with his new identity. The trailer teases his interactions with Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, played by Anthony Mackie.
Ross’s Red Hulk form is unveiled in a dramatic scene where he catches Captain America’s shield and throws it into the ground, a clear demonstration of his immense power.
Ross’s motivations as Red Hulk are likely to be complex. In the comics, his actions are driven by a mix of personal vendettas and a desire to protect his country, albeit through extreme measures. His transition into the Red Hulk does not immediately signify a shift to heroism. Instead, it highlights his willingness to use any means necessary to achieve his goals, often putting him at odds with true heroes.
“Ross’s obsession with the Hulk and his military background make him a dangerous adversary. As Red Hulk, his power is magnified, but so is his aggression,” a statement from Marvel explains. This encapsulates the character’s dichotomy — a figure of authority who becomes a menace due to his inability to control his newfound strength.
Giancarlo Esposito’s Mysterious Villain Role
Adding to the excitement is the inclusion of Giancarlo Esposito, who will portray a mystery villain in the film. Esposito, renowned for his role as Gus Fring in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, brings a unique intensity and charisma to his characters.
Marvel Studios has kept details about his role under wraps, but rumors suggest he might be playing George Washington “G.W.” Bridge, a character known for his military background and connections to S.H.I.E.L.D. Esposito himself has hinted at the physical demands of the role, promising fans a “badass” performance.
“In my other life, I’m a real badass, and you’ve seen me play a little bit of that intellectually as Gus Fring, but when you see me in the MCU, you’re going to see a badass, and I’m excited for that,” Esposito told Deadline.
Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Thaddeus Ross is expected to bring a new dimension to the character. Known for his iconic roles in franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Ford’s portrayal is expected to be intense and layered. Fans are eager to see how he navigates Ross’s transformation and the internal conflict that comes with it.
In the film, Ross’s Red Hulk form is teased but not fully explored in the trailer, leaving much to the imagination. His relationship with Sam Wilson is likely to be a focal point, especially considering Ross’s new position as President and his influence over national and global affairs.
Directed by Julius Onah, Captain America: Brave New World is set to released on February 14, 2025.
The introduction of Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World also opens the door to new storylines and character dynamics.
What are Ross’s true intentions? What do you think about Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk?
Averagebeing’s Take: We’d say it’s strange seeing Red Hulk as a villain in Captain America: Brave New World. Sure, he attempted a coup to take over as leader of the United States in the comics, but watching Red Hulk go toe to toe against the new Cap is odd to watch. Can’t imagine Anthony Mackie’s face.
