The introduction of Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World signals a new chapter for both the Captain America series and the MCU at large. Played by Harrison Ford as Thunderbolt Ross (following the passing of William Hurt), this version of Red Hulk represents both a physical and ideological threat to Sam Wilson’s Captain America. While Ross has always operated from a position of power as a high-ranking military official, his transformation into Red Hulk elevates him to an entirely new level of influence—one that could challenge even Earth’s mightiest heroes.
In the comics, Red Hulk’s powers aren’t just limited to brute strength. He has the ability to absorb energy, making him a more formidable opponent than the original Hulk in certain scenarios. This opens up the possibility for Red Hulk to have a much larger impact on the MCU’s power scale. The teaser hints at an intense showdown, where Sam Wilson’s strategic skills and his new role as Captain America will be tested against an adversary like none he’s faced before.
Red Hulk’s arrival also hints at potential crossovers with other MCU storylines, including the possibility of Thunderbolts, a team often associated with anti-heroes and former villains in Marvel comics. The Red Hulk, in particular, has been a key player in this group, which could mean that Captain America: Brave New World will serve as a stepping stone toward broader MCU narratives.
What Red Hulk brings to the movie:
- Massive Power Shift: With Red Hulk on the scene, Sam Wilson faces a challenge unlike any before—a villain who combines political influence with superhuman strength, pushing Sam to step beyond traditional heroism.
- Potential for MCU Expansion: Red Hulk could open doors for other storylines, including Thunderbolts or a deeper exploration of the government’s role in creating and controlling super-powered individuals.
