How Red Hulk’s Ties to the Avengers Could Rescue Him from the Fate of Most MCU Villains

The anticipation surrounding Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Red Hulk is palpable, particularly as his character is set to debut in the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World. Unlike many Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) villains who linger fleetingly in the limelight, Red Hulk possesses the potential for impactful reappearances. Thaddeus Ross’ narrative arc has spanned over a decade, tracing back to 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, with key moments in Captain America: Civil War (2016) and a brief reintroduction in Black Widow (2021). Given this history, it seems that Ross’ transformation into Red Hulk has been a long-awaited evolution, despite the character’s somewhat fragmented journey and the necessity to recast following William Hurt’s passing.

In the comics, Thaddeus Ross allies with the Leader and the Intelligencia to become Red Hulk. However, in Brave New World, Ford’s portrayal hints at a different trajectory; he appears to be an unwilling subject of the experiments conducted by the Leader. Early indications suggest that Red Hulk will engage in thrilling action sequences alongside Anthony Mackie’s Captain America. While the film’s trailers introduce Tim Blake Nelson’s character, Samuel Sterns, a.k.a. The Leader, as a likely central antagonist, the specifics of his nefarious plans remain largely under wraps.

Villains Wasted Within the MCU

One-off Appearances of Promising Villains

Throughout its cinematic journey, the MCU has largely squandered its potential for nuanced villains. From Iron Monger to Gorr the God Butcher, numerous antagonists have met their demise within the confines of their original films. Others, such as Abomination, Red Skull, and Ultron, faded into obscurity for years before their sporadic returns. Despite their charming portrayals by notable actors like Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen, and Christian Bale, their opportunities for character development were limited when compared to the likes of Josh Brolin as Thanos or Tom Hiddleston’s Loki.

Red Hulk’s Future as a Potential Hero

A Brighter Future for Red Hulk

Red Hulk with the Hulk and Abomination — Custom Image by Kai Young

While it is conceivable that Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk could face a swift exit through death or indefinite imprisonment in Brave New World, Marvel has the opportunity to craft a more extended narrative for his character. In the comics, Red Hulk eventually parts ways with the Intelligencia, later leading his own version of the Thunderbolts and undergoing redemption by rejoining the Avengers. This storyline suggests the possibility that, rather than being portrayed as inherently malevolent, MCU’s Red Hulk may seek to atone for his actions by aiding the Avengers in future conflicts.

The Hulk has been relegated to a supporting role within the MCU, overshadowed by characters like Abomination, Betty Ross, and Doc Samson. Given the film’s focus on Thaddeus Ross, Samuel Sterns, and Betty Ross, it stands to reason that these characters may continue to play significant roles in the MCU moving forward. Though Universal’s distribution rights may hinder a Hulk-centric movie, characters like Red Hulk and the Leader can still flourish in future installments, suggesting an evolving character arc ripe for exploration.