The latest trailer for Captain America: Brave New World provided a more detailed look at Harrison Ford’s Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, aka Red Hulk. However, many MCU fans have expressed complaints about the character. The most common criticism is that it doesn’t look compelling. Is that really the case?
The production process for Brave New World has not gone smoothly for Marvel Studios. The upcoming Anthony Mackie starrer has already undergone multiple reshoots to add more depth and action sequences. This is why it cannot afford any mistakes, especially given its release window of February 14, 2025. This Julius Onah-directed film will be the first Marvel theatrical project of the year, so it must perform well both critically and commercially. With Brave New World and Thunderbolts, the MCU will conclude its Phase Five, making it essential for the former to succeed. Its success will undoubtedly aid Matt Shakman’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which will be the first feature entry in Phase Six.
The new trailer certainly looks better than the first. However, Red Hulk still appears a bit off. Before Avengers: Endgame (2019), Hulk-like characters, especially Red Hulk, inspired fear. Now, however, it seems that nobody reacts much to them.
Red Hulk is, in fact, a complete menace in the comics. His powers have often surpassed those of the Hulk. His raw strength enables him to level cities and contend with powerful cosmic entities. Unlike the instinct-driven Hulk, Red Hulk is a calculated and strategic fighter who employs brutal tactics and isn’t afraid to use lethal force.
The version of Red Hulk that we see in Captain America: Brave New World fails to instill tension and fear in viewers. Moreover, the CGI doesn’t do justice to his live-action appearance, making him appear more “human” than a giant rage monster, which ultimately makes the character less appealing to many Marvel fans.
Furthermore, we must consider that the Hulk has not been taken seriously by fans since Endgame (2019). Many fans reluctantly accepted Mark Ruffalo’s “nerdy” Hulk, but the She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Disney+ series buried any remaining hype for Hulk-like characters.
Ross turning into Red Hulk should have felt like a bigger deal in the trailers. But that hasn’t been the case, has it? Marvel needs to deliver a more chaotic and berserk version of Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World than what we’ve seen in the trailers. A berserk Red Hulk would unleash unbridled fury, resulting in explosive, chaotic action sequences. His uncontrollable rage and destructive power would create awe and danger, establishing him as a formidable opponent who challenges Captain America’s courage and resilience. Stay tuned for more updates.