Red Hulk’s MCU Debut Makes My Most Unhinged Hulk Dream More Possible Than I Ever Dared To Imagine

Red Hulk’s thrilling MCU debut in Captain America: Brave New World has made my crazy Hulk dream even more possible. Throughout the MCU timeline, the Hulk has been both a formidable force and a character somewhat relegated to the sidelines. However, the introduction of the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World hints at a future where the Hulk and his various incarnations could take center stage once more.

Despite Bruce Banner’s green alter ego being one of Marvel’s most iconic figures, issues surrounding film rights and character development have kept the Hulk from smashing his way to solo movie success since 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. Marvel Studios has cleverly sidestepped this by weaving the Hulk into ensemble films and Disney+ series. Despite introducing She-Hulk and Skaar, Hulk still has few appearances scheduled in the MCU’s future. Red Hulk’s introduction in the MCU’s Captain America: Brave New World signals a potential shift in this, which could instigate a huge Hulk narrative.

Red Hulk’s MCU Debut Opens The Door For Even More Hulks In The Franchise

The Red Hulk, a.k.a. General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, is a fascinating addition to the MCU. Ross has been a constant presence in the Hulk’s story since his debut in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. Played by the late William Hurt and now by Harrison Ford, Ross is a figure of authority and obsession, his relentless pursuit of the Hulk a driving force in their shared history.

In the comics, Ross’s transformation into the Red Hulk is a game-changing moment. As the Red Hulk, he becomes a powerhouse with strategic cunning and an agenda of his own, distinct from Bruce Banner’s Hulk. Unlike She-Hulk (Jennifer Walters) and Skaar, the son of Hulk, the Red Hulk isn’t directly tied to Banner’s family or origin.

This creates a precedent for introducing Hulk variants who exist outside the immediate Bruce Banner mythology. While Banner’s Hulk represents uncontrolled rage and the duality of man, the Red Hulk brings a colder, more calculated form of destruction, driven by Ross’s militaristic mindset. After establishing the MCU’s Red Hulk, the franchise could quite readily introduce a swathe of other Hulks from Marvel Comics.

I Think It’s A Better Time Than Ever For The MCU To Start Bringing In The Rest Of The Other Hulks

The Marvel Comics universe is home to a plethora of Hulk variants, each with unique characteristics and narratives. Beyond the Red Hulk, the introduction of She-Hulk in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Skaar in She-Hulk’s finale have already hinted at a burgeoning Hulk-centric mythology. Now is the perfect time to dive even deeper into this rich lore and expand the Hulk-based roster by introducing numerous Hulks.

One of the most compelling aspects of Hulk mythology is its diversity. While the Red Hulk embodies a militarized, authoritarian version of Hulk power, other incarnations, like Joe Fixit and Devil Hulk, explore vastly different aspects of the Hulk’s psyche. Joe Fixit, for example, is a gray-skinned, street-smart version of the Hulk who operates as a Las Vegas enforcer. This version of the character highlights Banner’s ability to coexist with his transformations, blending intellect and brute force in fascinating ways.

Devil Hulk, on the other hand, represents the darkest corners of Bruce Banner’s mind. This malevolent incarnation seeks to protect Banner at any cost, often resorting to morally questionable methods. Introducing Devil Hulk to the MCU could add psychological depth and complexity to the franchise, exploring themes of inner demons and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy.

Amadeus Cho, a.k.a. Brawn, offers yet another avenue for expanding the Hulk roster. A teenage genius who becomes a Hulk through his own scientific ingenuity, Cho’s story brings a fresh, youthful energy to the Hulk legacy. His journey from fanboy to superhero resonates with contemporary themes of empowerment and representation. Introducing all of these Hulk variations could justify a Hulk series, or even circumnavigate the rights issues brring a Hulk movie.

Which Marvel Comic Hulks Would Make Most Sense To Next Appear In The MCU

Hulk looming over a planet while wearing gladiator armor.

Given the variety of Hulks in the Marvel Comics canon, the MCU has a wealth of characters to draw from. Joe Fixit’s noir-inspired persona would fit well in a grittier, grounded corner of the MCU, perhaps alongside characters like Daredevil or Moon Knight. His morally ambiguous nature and underworld ties could offer a fresh perspective on what it means to wield Hulk-level power.

Devil Hulk, with his philosophical and psychological undertones, would be an excellent addition to a more introspective Hulk storyline. Imagine a film or series where Bruce Banner grapples with this darker aspect of himself, delving into themes of trauma, fear, and redemption. The Devil Hulk could serve as both an antagonist and a reflection of Banner’s deepest insecurities, creating a compelling character study within the MCU framework.

Amadeus Cho, meanwhile, represents the future of the Hulk legacy. As a young, tech-savvy hero, he aligns perfectly with the MCU’s focus on a new generation of characters. His relationship with Bruce Banner could serve as a mentor-student dynamic, pᴀssing the torch while maintaining the core themes of Hulk mythology. Cho’s story also allows for lighter, more comedic storytelling, balancing the darker narratives of characters like Devil Hulk and Red Hulk.

Another intriguing possibility is Betty Ross’s transformation into the Red She-Hulk. In the comics, Betty’s journey as a Hulk would add personal stakes and emotional complexity to the overarching narrative. Her dynamic with Bruce Banner, already explored in earlier MCU films, could take on new dimensions as they navigate their shared Hulk idenтιтies, and could be the way for Marvel to introduce a second Hulk movie.

Bringing The Hulk Back Into Focus Could Finally Make Up For A Long-Term MCU Flaw

Smart Hulk on his way to space in She-Hulk Attorney at Law

Despite the Hulk’s popularity, the character has often been sidelined in the MCU. While other Avengers like Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America have received multiple solo outings, the Hulk’s potential as a leading character has been largely untapped. This is a glaring oversight, considering the character’s rich comic book history and enduring fan appeal.

The MCU’s tendency to push the Hulk to the backburner has been a source of frustration for many fans of the characters. While ensemble films like The Avengers have given Hulk moments to shine, they’ve often failed to delve into the character’s complexities. Even his arc as “Smart Hulk” in Avengers: Endgame, while entertaining, left some viewers longing for a deeper exploration of Bruce Banner’s internal struggles and the duality of his existence.

The reason for Hulk’s lack of MCU movies has been primarily caused by Universal Pictures owning the distribution rights to any Hulk solo movie. This means that while the MCU could make a Hulk movie, Universal would have exclusive rights to distribute the movie to theaters. Of course, Marvel and Universal collaborated on The Incredible Hulk, but Marvel’s subsequent transformation into a cinematic powerhouse stalled further negotiations, relegating Hulk to ensemble movies and television series.

By bringing the Hulk and his various incarnations back into focus, the MCU has an opportunity to rectify this long-standing issue. The introduction of the Red Hulk, along with the potential for characters like Joe Fixit, Devil Hulk, and Amadeus Cho, could reignite Hulk-centric stories. Hulk stories have always been about more than just smashing things. They delve into the human condition, exploring themes of power, idenтιтy, and the struggle to balance opposing forces within oneself. By embracing the full spectrum of Hulk mythology, the MCU could explore these compelling themes after Captain America: Brave New World.