With the release of Captain America: Brave New World, many Marvel fans are eager to see the Red Hulk make his MCU debut. The character has been a formidable figure in the Marvel Comics and animated series for years. Now that his presence is confirmed for Captain America: Brave New World, many fans may wonder, “Who is the Red Hulk?” and what will be his significance to this new film and the MCU. This article dives into the character’s origins, from his creation and comic book history to his powers and personality.

Comic Book Origins

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Most people know that General Thaddeus E. Ross is the man inside of the Red Hulk. Although the Red Hulk first appeared in 2008 in Hulk Vol. 2 #1, General Ross, also called Thunderbolt Ross, was introduced in Incredible Hulk #1 in 1962. General Ross is a longtime antagonist to Bruce Banner’s Hulk for many years and was the father of Banner’s longtime love interest, Betty Ross. Over the years, General Ross’ obsession with capturing the Hulk became his main objective in life.

He even took extreme measures to bring the Hulk into military custody to control the green giant’s power for their agenda. During the Hulk’s banishment from Earth and the death of Betty Ross, General Ross was at a very low point in his life. Suffering from the grief of losing his daughter and his desire for revenge led him to work with the Leaders and M.O.D.O.K. Once Hulk returned to Earth, the Leader and M.O.D.OK used radiation energy from the Hulk to transform General Ross into the Red Hulk.

Powers & Abilities

The Red Hulk shares many abilities similar to those of the Hulk. Both characters possess superhuman strength and endurance but are invulnerable to heavy attacks and weaponry. Additionally, the Red Hulk has an advanced healing factor to the Hulk’s that allows him to recover after taking any amount of damage. However, there are some key differences between the two. One of the most significant advantages the Red Hulk has over the Hulk is that he has complete control over his transformations. The Red Hulk can also absorb and take different forms of energy, like the Hulk’s gamma radiation and Galactus’ cosmic powers. 

Unlike Bruce Banner’s Hulk, whose powers are fueled and intensified by anger, General Ross’ powers, body temperature, and radiation rise to extreme levels when the he becomes angrier. However, his powers are a double-edged sword because if he becomes too overheated, the Red Hulk will weaken himself. In contrast to the Hulk, General Ross has always had most, if not complete, mental control when he transforms. Combining his vast experience in combat training, strategy, and military tactics also provides the Red Hulk with a tactical advantage when he fights.

The Thunderbolts

During the 2012 Marvel NOW! relaunch, an updated version of the Thunderbolts was introduced, with the Red Hulk leading the team. The team also featured characters like Deadpool, the Punisher, Venom, and Elektra. The non-government affiliated strike team follows Ross on missions to track down and capture dangerous gamma radiation-related technology.

Captain America: Brave New World’s introduction of the character and the upcoming Thunderbolts film could lay some easter eggs or groundwork for further connecting and solidifying the Red Hulk’s position in the MCU. Granted, the Thunderbolt’s lineup of characters differs from the comics, but it is still likely that Ross may be involved or play a pivotal role in this other film.

Captain America: Brave New World

Compared to the Marvel Comics’ origins, the Marvel Cinematic Universe takes some liberties with how General Ross, played by Harrison Ford, becomes the Red Hulk. For starters, Ross is no longer a General in Brave New World. Instead, he is now the President of the United States, having risen from Secretary of State since his last appearance in Captain America: Civil War and Infinity War. 

While we know President Ross will transform into the red giant, how remains unclear. However, given that The Leader, who turned Ross into Red Hulk in the comics, is canonically a part of the MCU, there is a strong possibility that the character could be involved in the Red Hulk’s transformation. Nonetheless, no matter how the Red Hulk comes to fruition, he will be quite the challenging adversary for Sam Wilson’s Captain America and the rest of the MCU.

Regardless of his role in Captain America: Brave New World, one thing is for sure: the Red Hulk will make an enormous impact in the MCU, possibly setting the stage for more conflicts in this phase.

Captain America: Brave New World premieres in theaters on February 14.