Title “Captain America: A New Era” brings about the debut of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Red Hulk; however, the transformation sequence mirrored a disheartening 13-year trend concerning Hulk transformations. Portrayed by Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, the transition into Red Hulk was expected to be an impressive, pivotal event in the MCU timeline. Regrettably, it fell flat, echoing a recurring issue that has been prevalent within the MCU since 2012.
As a die-hard comics fan, I can’t help but marvel at the formidable figure of Red Hulk, the menacing persona hidden within General Ross. He embodies raw power and unbridled rage, serving as a darker reflection of the classic Hulk. His entrance in the comic books was shrouded in drama and intrigue, with his true self remaining a secret for months on end. In “Captain America: Brave New World,” this MCU version was finally brought to life by the talented Harrison Ford, stepping into the shoes left vacant by the late William Hurt. This scene could have been nothing short of spectacular, potentially rivaling some of the most iconic transformations in Hulk’s storied history.
Captain America: Brave New World Didn’t Fully Show Red Hulk’s Transformation
Red Hulk Emerged From Behind A Podium
In “Brave New World,” Ross’s transformation commences during a speech at the White House. On the lush lawn of the White House, fear radiates from Ross’s eyes as he starts to grasp what is unfolding before him. His hands and feet grow massive, bursting out of his attire, but then he ducks behind his presidential podium. The camera positions obscure crucial moments, and unexpectedly, Red Hulk appears fully transformed.
It’s an unusual decision to present the Hulk variant without much fanfare, as the Marvel Cinematic Universe typically announces such introductions with grandeur. Reminiscent of “Brave New World,” where Ford’s captivating portrayal and escalating tension were expertly crafted, the climactic transformation was surprisingly avoided. Rather than displaying a potential VFX spectacle that could highlight Phase 5, it instead diminished the dramatic impact in a moment that should have left a lasting impression.
There Hasn’t Been A Full Hulk Transformation In An MCU Movie Since 2012
Hulk-Outs Have Happened Off-Screen Since 2012
It’s astonishing to think about, but the last complete and fulfilling Hulk transformation in a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie on the big screen took place in the film The Avengers, way back in 2012. That was more than a decade ago! In that movie, Bruce Banner underwent two memorable transformation sequences. The first one, which underscored the terrifying capabilities, happened on the SHIELD helicarrier. The second transformation unfolded during the well-known leviathan scene when Mark Ruffalo’s character, Bruce Banner, famously said, “That’s my secret, Cap… I’m always angry.”
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say, those Hulk-out scenes were nothing short of impressive, packing a punch that left audiences in awe. However, since then, MCU Hulk’s dramatic transformations have been rather scarce. In “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Hulk was already transformed, and in “Thor: Ragnarok,” there was a partial transformation, more for comedic relief than visual spectacle. “Avengers: Infinity War” even hinted at a transformation, but it never materialized. By the time we got to “Avengers: Endgame,” Hulk had evolved into “Smart Hulk,” effectively putting an end to traditional transformations altogether.
In the TV series She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, the Hulk-out scenes were enjoyable, yet they had a unique twist since Jen Walters maintains her personality during transformations. On the other hand, the novel Brave New World missed an excellent chance to continue the trend of exciting Hulk transformations by introducing Red Hulk. However, it opted to avoid this transformation moment, possibly for reasons of pacing or surprise – a decision that may have diminished the impact of spectacle and viewer satisfaction.
The MCU’s Hulk Deserves Better
The MCU’s Hulk Has Been Repeatedly Sidelined
Fundamentally, Hulk is a character shaped by transformations – not only physical, but also emotional. He’s filled with anger, fear, and tension, which ultimately manifest into his monstrous form. This transformation serves as the climax. Omitting it would deny viewers the sense of release. Red Hulk could have rekindled that sensation, providing a fresh take on the traditional Hulk rages. Regrettably, it perpetuates an annoying Marvel trend of diminishing the impact of its grand moments.
To ensure that the Hulk character remains significant within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), they should embrace the elements that initially made him famous instead of avoiding them. With advanced visual effects technology at their disposal and a budget far larger than that of The Avengers, it seems unnecessary to conceal his transformation behind a podium as seen in Captain America: Brave New World. The MCU doesn’t require a new interpretation of the Hulk; they simply need to allow him to smash things once more.
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2025-05-31 22:27