Following years out of the spotlight, 80-year-old Hollywood icon Harrison Ford is suiting up for a dramatic return to blockbuster franchises as the fiery crimson powerhouse Red Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Set to make his superhero debut in the 2024 film Captain America: Brave New World, Ford’s take on notorious military leader Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross will reportedly inject Hulk blood to transform into the heat-radiating beast. In the process, Red Hulk could become instrumental in assembling the next iteration of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in a post-Iron Man world.
How Will Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk Form?
Though plot details remain closely guarded, leaks from the Captain America 4 production point to Ross turning himself into a Hulk as part of efforts to combat the scheming Leader (Tim Blake Nelson). Similar to She-Hulk, Ross may get enhanced in order to counter the threat of powers derived from Hulk’s blood, rather than seeking strength for himself.
🚨 In new rewrites for Captain America Brave New World Sam Wilson will reportedly reassemble the avengers after his fight with Thunderbolt Ross aka the Red Hulk.
He will realize earth still needs it’s mightiest Hero’s , while also learning that their is a bigger threat to his… pic.twitter.com/PKpph7i4sd
— MCU News and Updates (@HolyfieldM5) February 15, 2024
Of course, raids on the movie’s set and gifts to the crew make it clear Red Hulk will be a major part of the film regardless. Images of Ford sporting suspiciously Hulk-like tattered pants and crew jackets depicting Red Hulk clutching Cap’s shield leave little doubt that Ross will bulk up in crimson. The transformation seems inevitable.
What Will Red Hulk’s MCU Purpose Be?
But beyond giving the MCU another powerhouse protector, rumors indicate Ford’s Red Hulk will play a pivotal role in gathering the next lineup of Avengers. With stalwarts such as Iron Man now gone and new global-level dangers emerging, Captain America (Anthony Mackie) reportedly realizes the world still needs the Avengers. Red Hulk forms part of his superhero recruitment drive alongside heroes like the Falcon (Joaquin Torres) and the Black Panther (Shuri).
According to Screen Rant, Mackie himself previously hinted at Red Hulk entering the MCU “so that we can start to build that next layer of Avengers.” With multiversal conqueror Kang the Conqueror lurking and Harrison Ford adding both gravitas and ferocity, Red Hulk could be the firepower Earth-616 desperately needs. A reported comic book arc for the movie even references Red Hulk helping the Avengers defeat Kang.
At 80 years old, could Harrison Ford achieve the impossible and make Red Hulk lovable? His history of surly icons from Han Solo to Indiana Jones suggests few could be better suited. And with Avengers 5 rumored to follow Captain America 4, fans may not have to wait long to see Ford’s irascible Red Hulk take his place alongside Earth’s mightiest heroes on the biggest stage possible.
Of course, Red Hulk also poses his own dangers that could disrupt the Avengers’ reformation. As in the comics, Ford’s Hulk form may struggle to control his rage and powers – risks multiplied by Ross’ military background. If his fiery temper cannot be contained, Red Hulk has the potential to divide the Avengers at the very moment they need unity. Yet Captain America likely bets that Red Hulk’s sense of duty will win out, making him far more ally than an enemy when the planet needs him most. Still, it may be a volatile dynamic that takes time to perfect.
