The threat levels of the MCU’s newest villain are much higher thanks to the absence of the original Avengers. Captain America: Brave New World introduced the new age of the MCU with Sam Wilson taking on the mantle of Captain America, and he now has the mission of rebuilding the Avengers. Another returning character was Thaddeus Ross, who became the Red Hulk thanks to exposure to gamma. Although the actual Red Hulk was only in the film for a few scenes, fans already have a sense of how strong he is.
Ross already had plenty of ties to the original Phase 1 Avengers. Besides his heavy involvement in the events of The Incredible Hulk, he returned years later to confront the Avengers during Captain America: Civil War. It’s almost ironic how none of them ended up being around to witness his transformation into Red Hulk, but it did help to make his character seem much stronger. He’s more of a threat without the original Avengers, and he’s clearly being set up for some sort of future arc in the MCU.
The Majority Of The MCU’s Original Avengers Have Now Had Their Respective Endings
The Group Is Either ᴅᴇᴀᴅ Or Retired
It’s always jarring to think about just how much time has pᴀssed since Avengers: Endgame, but as the Multiverse Saga nears its conclusion, the age of the original Avengers is becoming distant. Though fans still miss those characters to this day, the Phase 1 Avengers have had some great conclusions to their story arcs. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to characters, but the blow is softened by the fact that they were honored properly.
Both Tony and Natasha died in Avengers: Endgame and while it was extremely sad, they both went out as heroes. They were two characters who held plenty of guilt in themselves and died knowing that they helped save the universe. Although Steve’s ending is controversial, he is ultimately happy in the past with Peggy. Thor, Bruce, and Clint are still around in the MCU, but they’ve clearly taken a step back from being prominent characters and are happy on the sidelines. They could still be called upon in the future, but it wouldn’t be a surprise either if they didn’t.
The MCU’s Original Avengers Endings Make Red Hulk Way More Dangerous
The Original Avengers Knew How To Neutralize A Hulk
Knowing that Ross was going to turn into Red Hulk in the film, one of the biggest debates around Captain America: Brave New World was how Sam was going to defeat him as a non-powered human. He ultimately did it on his own by talking Red Hulk down, but this is where the original Avengers could’ve played a part if they were still around. The core six had experience dealing with an aggressive Hulk, and their knowledge could’ve made Sam’s fight a lot easier.
During The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron, Bruce was still learning how to control his Hulk persona. Because of this, there were a few instances where the team had to de-escalate the situation, whether it be physically or verbally. A few members fought Hulk in the first film, and Natasha was seen being able to calm him down emotionally in Age of Ultron. If they were put with the Red Hulk, they’d probably have their methods to defeat him. However, their absences meant that the fight was harder, therefore making Red Hulk look stronger.
The MCU’s Red Hulk Introduction Sets A Promising Precedent For Future Appearances
He Has Yet To Be Defeated
After fighting for a while, Sam ends up “defeating” Red Hulk by calming him down. Ross eventually goes back to his human form and Captain America: Brave New World ends with him being put in the Raft. The Red Hulk actually didn’t end up playing as big of a part in the film as some expected, only showing up near the end of the film. The MCU likely wouldn’t have spent all this time building the villain up if this was his last appearance, so it’s safe to ᴀssume he has a promising future in the franchise.
Although Red Hulk technically ended up losing the fight in Brave New World, he has yet to be actually beaten. Sam was able to pacify him, but that’s not the same as beating him in a full fight. Any type of Hulk is a dangerous opponent to go up against, but the fact that the original Avengers who have experience neutralizing them aren’t around anymore helps make them look even stronger. Red Hulk surely won’t hold back in his future MCU appearances, and thanks to the original Avengers endings, he’s become a way more dangerous villain than ever before.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
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May 2, 2025
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
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Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
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Spider-Man Homecoming 4
- Release Date
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July 24, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
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