Marvel Studios has officially introduced the Red Hulk, a formidable new villain tied to the early days of the MCU. First glimpsed in the trailer for Captain America: Brave New World, Red Hulk is seen facing off against Sam Wilson’s Captain America (Anthony Mackie). This reveal hints at a significant role for the character in the film and potentially the broader MCU.
Red Hulk’s MCU Role in Brave New World
In the upcoming film, Harrison Ford’s President Ross is determined to make Sam Wilson’s Captain America a government-controlled position, leading to rising tensions. The trailer shows Ross’s inner circle compromised and a brainwashed Isiah Bradley attacking Ross. The climax features a showdown between Captain America and the transformed President Ross as Red Hulk, signaling Ross’s dual role as both political leader and superpowered threat.
Red Hulk’s Marvel Comics Origins
In the comics, Red Hulk emerged after the events of World War Hulk. The supervillain group Intelligencia, led by MODOK and The Leader, created Red Hulk by siphoning gamma radiation and infusing it into General “Thunderbolt” Ross. Obsessed with stopping the Hulk, Ross chose to become a Hulk himself despite years of opposition. Although he starts as a villain, Ross’s Red Hulk eventually shifts toward a more heroic role.
Why is Red Hulk red?
Red Hulk’s distinctive red hue results from the unique transformation process involving gamma radiation and cosmic rays. Additionally, his ability to generate intense heat may contribute to his red appearance, distinguishing him from the classic green Hulk.
How powerful is the Red Hulk?
Red Hulk has several advantages over Bruce Banner’s Hulk, including retaining his intelligence during transformations. He also possesses the power to absorb various forms of energy and generate extreme heat. It remains to be seen if these abilities will be fully realized in the MCU.
Red Hulk’s New MCU Origin
The MCU version of Ross has had a more diverse career than his comic counterpart. Starting as a general in *The Incredible Hulk* (2008), Ross later became the Secretary of State in *Captain America: Civil War* (2016) and *Avengers: Infinity War* (2018). Now, as the President of the United States, Ross’s transformation into the Red Hulk is likely to have significant implications, especially with his newfound authority.
Red Hulk’s Future in the MCU
The destruction of the White House in the trailer suggests that Ross, as Red Hulk, may not be in control of his actions. This could be linked to The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson), who has been confirmed as a major antagonist in *Brave New World*. Given The Leader’s involvement in Red Hulk’s creation in the comics, he may also be manipulating Ross in the film. This setup could lead to Red Hulk becoming more of an antihero, especially with Marvel’s *Thunderbolts* on the horizon.
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