Summary:
- Harrison Ford’s President Ross transforms into the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World.
- The Red Hulk’s origin may tie to the super soldier serum from MCU Phase 1.
- Tim Blake Nelson’s Leader could play a pivotal role in Ross’ transformation.
- The film releases on July 26, 2025, as part of MCU Phase 5.
Captain America: Brave New World introduces a new Hulk to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as President Thaddeus Ross takes on the mantle of the Red Hulk. Played by Harrison Ford, this transformation will expand on Ross’ evolution from general to U.S. president. Fans are speculating about a potential connection between the Red Hulk and MCU Phase 1’s super soldier serum, tying Captain America: Brave New World to the franchise’s early roots.
The Red Hulk’s Origin in Captain America: Brave New World
How President Ross Becomes the Red Hulk
The trailer for Captain America: Brave New World reveals President Thaddeus Ross’s transformation into the Red Hulk, but his origin remains a mystery. In Marvel Comics, the Leader, a super-intelligent villain, works with MODOK to harness energy from Bruce Banner’s Hulk and inject it into Ross. The MCU version seems to follow a similar narrative, with Tim Blake Nelson reprising his role as Samuel Sterns, aka the Leader, from The Incredible Hulk (2008).
However, the Red Hulk’s power set in the MCU is unique compared to Bruce Banner’s Hulk. Along with superhuman strength, the Red Hulk emits intense heat that grows stronger as his anger increases—a detail teased in the film’s trailer.
Super Soldier Serum Connection
A popular fan theory speculates that Ross’ transformation into the Red Hulk may involve the super soldier serum. In Captain America: Civil War (2016), Ross revealed he underwent triple bypass surgery after a heart attack. His speedy recovery might indicate he had been secretly injected with a version of the serum.
The theory suggests this serum, developed by Dr. Reinstein—connected to Dr. Abraham Erskine from Captain America: The First Avenger—may have influenced Ross’ eventual transformation. Notably, the serum’s effect on Johann Schmidt, turning him into the Red Skull, offers a possible explanation for the Red Hulk’s distinctive red appearance.
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Red Hulk’s Connection to Phase 1 Villains
Red Skull and Red Hulk Parallels
The potential link between Red Hulk and Red Skull could strengthen the MCU’s continuity by tying Captain America: Brave New World back to Phase 1. In The First Avenger (2011), Schmidt’s flawed super soldier serum turned his skin red. Similarly, Ross’ serum—possibly enhanced or manipulated by the Leader—could result in his red transformation.
This parallel reinforces the lasting legacy of the super soldier serum in the MCU. Red Skull served as Captain America’s first major adversary, while Red Hulk could pose a similar threat to Sam Wilson’s Captain America in Phase 5.
Implications of Red Skull’s Return
Though Red Skull was last seen on Vormir in Avengers: Endgame, the Soul Stone’s destruction might free him to return to Earth. If the Leader’s experiments mirror Schmidt’s transformation process, this opens the door for Red Skull to potentially reappear, adding another layer of continuity to Captain America: Brave New World.
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What Captain America: Brave New World Means for the MCU
Expanding the Super Soldier Narrative
The super soldier serum has been a recurring element in the MCU, from Steve Rogers’ transformation to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021). By linking the Red Hulk’s origin to this narrative, Marvel continues to explore its far-reaching consequences.
The serum has also enhanced characters like Bucky Barnes, John Walker, and Karli Morgenthau. If Ross is revealed as another recipient, it emphasizes the serum’s role as a double-edged sword, capable of creating both heroes and villains.
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Phase 5 Connections
Alongside Red Hulk, Captain America: Brave New World introduces additional antagonists, including the Serpent Society, led by Giancarlo Esposito’s Seth Voelker. The film’s interconnected villains, Red Hulk, Leader, and Serpent Society—highlight a larger conspiracy that Sam Wilson must unravel as the new Captain America.
Source: ScreenRant
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