Red Hulk is set to make his long-awaited debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with the upcoming film Captain America: Brave New World. Slated for release on February 14, 2025, the movie marks a significant turning point in the narrative arc of Thaddeus Ross. This film introduces a new chapter as Sam Wilson embraces the iconic role of Captain America, following events from the Disney+ series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Promising to deliver a political thriller experience, Captain America: Brave New World aims to unveil fresh adversaries, including the formidable Red Hulk.
With Harrison Ford now portraying Thaddeus Ross, the film will develop a character journey that began in the 2008 movie The Incredible Hulk. Fans have eagerly anticipated the introduction of Red Hulk for years, and the buildup of this character introduces another powerful figure to the MCU roster. Before the film premieres, it’s worthwhile to revisit Thaddeus Ross’ evolution within the MCU and how it leads to the emergence of Red Hulk.
General Ross’ Quest for the Super Soldier Serum
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Thaddeus Ross made his first impact as a significant antagonist in The Incredible Hulk, the MCU’s second film. This installment concluded with a post-credits scene featuring Tony Stark, which heralded the potential for the Avengers’ formation.
Prior to becoming President of the United States, Lieutenant General Ross was tasked with leading Project Gamma Pulse, an initiative aimed at replicating the Super Soldier Serum that transformed Steve Rogers into Captain America. This research had dire consequences when Bruce Banner, the boyfriend of Ross’ daughter Betty, was accidentally exposed to gamma radiation, resulting in his transformation into the Hulk.
Ross’ ambitions didn’t cease here; he later administered a low dose of the Super Soldier Serum to Emil Blonsky to enhance his combat capabilities, consequently leading Blonsky down the path to becoming the Abomination. In the comics, Ross transforms into Red Hulk by combining gamma radiation with the serum—a storyline seeded in his very first scenes.
Thaddeus Ross’s Conflict with the Hulk
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
After Bruce Banner’s transformation into the Hulk, chaos ensues, resulting in Ross suffering personal and professional setbacks, as he inadvertently puts his daughter at risk. This event solidifies Ross’s deep-seated animosity towards Banner and the Hulk, initiating a relentless campaign to capture him.
Following leads to Banner’s whereabouts, Ross’s operations become increasingly aggressive, culminating in the attempted capture of Banner in Brazil. Although he manages to subdue Banner temporarily, that success is short-lived as the Hulk ultimately saves the day during the showdown with Blonsky’s Abomination.
Ross’s Return as an Adversary
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Audiences did not see Thaddeus Ross again until Captain America: Civil War, eight years later, where he had transitioned to the Secretary of State position. In this role, Ross urges the Avengers to endorse the Sokovia Accords, a pivotal moment that serves to illustrate his evolving relationship with superpowered beings.
As ideological schisms arise within the Avengers, Ross capitalizes on the opportunity, demanding that those who oppose him be apprehended. Following the ensuing chaos, several Avengers are arrested, further deepening his role as a key adversary in the MCU.
The Hunt for Black Widow
Black Widow (2021)
Following the events of Civil War, Ross shifts his focus to Natasha Romanoff, believing her actions contravene the Sokovia Accords. His pursuit reaches its climax during the timeline of Black Widow.
Despite his relentless efforts and initial success, Natasha ultimately outmaneuvers Ross, evading capture after toppling the Red Room and foiling his plans once again.
The Avengers Confront Ross
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
The fractured nature of the Avengers becomes apparent as Ross is seen attempting to locate the missing heroes in Avengers: Infinity War. Although he is eager to bring them to justice, his orders are ultimately disobeyed.
His attempts to regain control culminate in a court-martial for James Rhodes, further illustrating the tensions between governmental oversight and the Avengers’ independent actions.
Ross Ascends to the Presidency
Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
With the late William Hurt’s legacy in mind, Harrison Ford takes over the role of Thaddeus Ross, now positioned as President in Captain America: Brave New World. While the storyline remains shrouded in secrecy until the film’s release, the trailer has already hinted at Ross’s powerful standing following the tumultuous events of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame.
The prior tension between Ross and Captain America sets the stage for a fascinating dynamic as Sam Wilson steps into the role, with President Ross discussing the potential institutionalization of Captain America within the military framework.
The Emergence of Red Hulk
Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
Crucially, the trailer suggests that President Ross will ultimately undergo a transformation into Red Hulk. Although the nuances of this metamorphosis are yet to be unveiled, the longstanding narrative threads from the inception of the MCU are gearing up for a dramatic convergence.
One plausible scenario hinted at in the trailer involves Isaiah Bradley, a fellow super soldier, seemingly posing a lethal threat to Ross, which could incentivize a desperate move toward harnessing the serum. This decision could serve as a means of survival, transforming him into an entirely different kind of creature.
Throughout his journey in the MCU, Thaddeus Ross has not embodied a hero’s path. His motives remain complex, revealing a continuous grappling with the power dynamics of heroism, inviting intrigue as we anticipate Captain America: Brave New World. The upcoming film promises to not only clarify Ross’s arc but also to set the stage for his future within this expansive universe.
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