Who Is Captain America’s Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?

Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?

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  • Who Is The Red Hulk
  • Red Hulk’s Role in the MCU
  • Why Is Marvel Now Bringing in The Red Hulk
  • How Red Hulk’s Involvement Impacts the Future of the MCU

As a long-time Marvel fan and someone who has followed the development of Red Hulk since his comic book debut, I am beyond excited to finally see this iconic character come to life on the big screen. Harrison Ford is an inspired casting choice, and his portrayal of Thunderbolt Ross promises to bring both depth and menace to the role.


As a long-time fan of Marvel movies, I can’t contain my excitement as the trailer for “Captain America: Brave New World” has just been released! The new spy thriller within the Marvel Cinematic Universe looks absolutely promising, and I was particularly thrilled to see Sam Wilson donning his Captain America-inspired outfit. The appearance of the Celestial Tiamut, which was first introduced in “Eternals,” has left me intrigued and wondering what role it will play in this installment.

As a devoted gamer following the latest developments in the Captain America saga, I was thoroughly captivated by the unveiling of The Red Hulk in the trailer for Brave New World. This game-changing character is undeniably pivotal to the promotion of this upcoming film. Intriguingly enough, his hand grasping the iconic Captain America shield in the teaser poster underscores his significance. Although fans had been tipped off about Red Hulk’s appearance a year prior through those sneaky McDonald’s Happy Meal toys, the initial sneak peek sent waves of excitement coursing through the fan community.

The connection between Red Hulk’s backstory and the Marvel Cinematic Universe was so strong that it seemed inevitable for the character to make an appearance. Here’s what you need to know about The Red Hulk and why fans are thrilled about his upcoming inclusion in the MCU.

Who Is The Red Hulk

Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?

The Red Hulk, as the name implies, represents a red-hued iteration of the classic Hulk character. Unlike other comic book counterparts such as Grey Hulk, Red Hulk is not an alter ego of Bruce Banner. Instead, he is an entirely distinct individual. This new character made its debut in Hulk Vol. 2 #1, which was released in January 2008 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness. The creation of Red Hulk was driven in part by marketing efforts to boost interest in the Hulk comics prior to the premiere of The Incredible Hulk – the second movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Consequently, Red Hulk’s emergence carries significant weight due to its connection to the roots of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Red Hulk, who made his appearance in 2008, kept his true identity hidden for two long years. This secret was unveiled in the June 2010 issue of “Hulk” Vol. 2 #23, revealing Red Hulk to be no other than General Thaddeus E. “Thunderbolt” Ross. Ross, an age-old adversary of The Hulk, was the one under the Red Hulk persona. His abilities as Red Hulk closely resemble those of The Hulk, but with a unique addition: the power to control temperature.

Red Hulk’s rage amplifies, resulting in escalating body temperature and the release of intense heat. This ability, however, comes with a drawback – his body lacks the capacity to dissipate the excessive heat efficiently. Consequently, enemies may capitalize on this vulnerability by targeting him when he’s enraged.

Red Hulk’s Role in the MCU

Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?

General Ross, portrayed by William Hurt, made his first appearance in the MCU through “The Incredible Hulk” in 2008. He continued to feature in “Captain America: Civil War” in 2016, during which it was disclosed that he had become the Secretary of State and a pivotal figure in the Sokovia Accords. Ross appeared in “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018), “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), and “Black Widow” (2020). After Hurt’s passing in March 2022, Harrison Ford was cast to take over the role of Ross in the Marvel Cinemic Universe. Ford’s portrayal of Ross can be seen in “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts,” set for release just three months later.

In the preview for “Captain America: Brave New World,” Ross is depicted as the new U.S. President, taking over from President Ritson in “Secret Invasion.” Ross intends to integrate Captain America into the American political structure. Additionally, based on CinemaCon footage, Ross aims to revive The Avengers with Sam Wilson’s help. Later in the trailer, Ross faces an assassination attempt by Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), a former Black soldier who had been given the super soldier serum and was imprisoned as a political prisoner, whose existence was hidden until Sam Wilson discovered him and included him in the Captain America museum exhibit in Washington.

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice how Isiah seems to be under the grasp of the wicked antagonist, Samuel Sterns, brilliantly portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson in this film. Sterns is none other than The Leader, a long-awaited nemesis for Hulk fans. His appearance here marks the fulfillment of a tease that began way back in “The Incredible Hulk,” making it an exciting moment 17 years in the making. In the comic books, The Leader is part of a team that turns General Ross into Red Hulk.

In an intriguing twist, “Captain America: Brave New World” might present Ross as the leader of a clandestine organization named Intelligencia, which was previously depicted as a hate group for incels in “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.” This secret scientific collective aims to engineer a super soldier. Given the film’s heavy influence from 1990s conspiracy thrillers, there’s a strong likelihood that Ross is aware of this plan and manipulated public opinion to support his transformation into a super-powered being – potentially becoming the Red Hulk himself when he feels it necessary to assert his heroic role.

Why Is Marvel Now Bringing in The Red Hulk

Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?

With Red Hulk first appearing the same year that Marvel Cinematic Universe started, one would wonder why bringing the character to the big screen has taken so long. He seems like one of Marvel’s first characters created with the idea of future films and television roles in mind as a villain for a future Hulk movie. Due to the complicated film rights involving The Hulk with Universal Pictures, Disney has opted out of making a solo Hulk movie and instead featured him as a major supporting character while giving She-Hulk the solo Hulk treatment. So, while Red Hulk and The Leader would, on paper, be better suited for a Hulk sequel, that just hasn’t been an option Marvel Studios wanted to do.

In the storyline of “Captain America: Brave New World,” the writers discovered an ideal fit for Red Hulk’s character. Given Ross’s military and government background in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), his pursuit of the White House doesn’t seem far-fetched.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate how challenging an adversary like Red Hulk makes for Sam Wilson’s Captain America. Admittedly, Sam doesn’t possess any superpowers and has left some fans doubting his abilities against someone as formidable as the Hulk. However, seeing him go head-to-head with a seemingly unbeatable foe offers an exhilarating opportunity to prove why Sam Wilson is more than deserving of the Captain America title, regardless of his lack of superpowers.

How Red Hulk’s Involvement Impacts the Future of the MCU

Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?Who Is Captain America's Red Hulk and Why Is Everyone Losing Their Minds?

Previously stated, Ford portrays Ross in “Captain America: Brave New World,” as well as in “Thunderbolts.” The timing of “Thunderbolts” has remained consistent despite scheduling adjustments, suggesting it follows “Captain America: Brave New World.” With Ross’s famous moniker being “Thunderbolt,” the team name could be derived from him. The asterisk on the film title fuels theories that it may be “The Dark Avengers,” a comic book squad composed of reformed villains, aligning with Ross’s desired team.

tales set in space, those exploring the multiverse, and more earthbound narratives. “Captain America: Brave New World” continues the threads started in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” “Black Widow,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” This film also relates to the cosmic storyline of “Eternals” through the character Tiamut, while Hulk characters could link it to “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.” “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts” may serve as conclusions to the earthly tales before the major multiverse happenings in “Avengers 5” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.”

Ross’s presidency might also be reflected in the series Daredevil: Born Again, which is rumored to feature Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D’Nofrio) running for mayor and taking a big stance against costumed vigilantes like Daredevil, Spider-Man, and Echo. Combine that with Ross’s presidency being about making his own Avengers team while also possibly turning into Red Hulk and losing the support of the American people, which could suggest a future where civilians turn on superpowered beings.

Marvel Studios may be preparing to bring the “Dark Reign” comic storyline (from 2009) to life on screen, where villains ruled supreme and hero support reached an unprecedented low. This could potentially lead to the Marvel Universe being at its most vulnerable as they face a multiverse invasion in the upcoming Avengers 5.

In seventeen years since Red Hulk’s introduction in Marvel Comics, “Captain America: Brave New World” will hit cinemas with this iconic character gracing the silver screen for the first time. The role is not only an exciting addition to the movie but also carries significant weight for the future development of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole, with Harrison Ford bringing Red Hulk to life.

Check out the Captain America: Brave New World trailer beneath and experience the film in cinemas starting February 14, 2025.

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2024-07-15 22:02