Director Julius Onah discusses Red Hulk’s unique powers in Captain America: Brave New World and teases how different the MCU villain will be in comparison to Mark Ruffalo’s original Hulk. President Ross’ Red Hulk transformation is a big selling point of Captain America: Brave New World given that it’s an event seventeen years in the making. Thaddeus Ross persecuted Bruce Banner and tried to use the Hulk’s power to create his own Gamma-fueled Super Soldier, but it backfired. Almost twenty years later, Ross himself will get a taste of Gamma radiation.
During ScreenRant‘s interview with Captain America star Anthony Mackie at the Captain America: Brave New World press junket, director Julius Onah answered whether Red Hulk’s introduction will raise the bar for the MCU’s Hulks seven years after the original savage Hulk’s last on-screen appearance. Onah underscores Thaddeus Ross’ emotional journey and stresses how special Red Hulk’s powers will be, mentioning “heat waves” and “flames”. Read Onah’s full comments below:
Absolutely. What’s so great about the Hulk and the creation of this character from publishing is he’s this expression of it pure, unadulterated rage. And I say it’s relatable because we’ve all had those moments where we just want to get angry and we hold it in. Well, Hulk gets to let it out. And because it’s part of Ross’s emotional journey in this film, not only was it something that was meaningful, but it’s also something that then still is fun and action-driven. So you’re getting two levels of it, the escapism of it, but it’s still something that is emotional and character-driven and part of the theme of this film. So Red Hulk is very special in this film, and we get to lean into what’s unique about him, his heat. We get to see the heat waves around him, we get to see flames. I don’t want to spoil too much, but it is so, so exciting and I’m still pinching myself that I got to do this. And especially with Harrison Ford bringing Red Hulk to life. It’s a real treat.
What Julius Onah’s Red Hulk Comments Mean For The MCU
Thaddeus Ross’ Red Hulk Will Likely Be More Powerful Than Bruce Banner’s Hulk
As teased by Captain America: Brave New World‘s trailers, Red Hulk will have the ability to expel heat through his skin. In the comics, Red Hulk naturally emits Gamma radiation, which increases proportionately to his anger. Ross’ Gamma radiation can engulf his body in flames, and he can use this heat to enhance his attacks. Red Hulk is also able to absorb Gamma radiation and increase his heat emissions. Red Hulk’s heat abilities give him an edge over Hulk, though Red Hulk’s sheer strength doesn’t increase the way Hulk’s does.
At the moment, Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner retains his Smart Hulk form, which he can discard with a special inhibitor that allows him to return to his human form at any time. If Hulk and Red Hulk fought during Captain America: Brave New World, Red Hulk would probably win. But while Red Hulk is considerably stronger than Smart Hulk, Smart Hulk still has the opportunity to revert his latest transformation and bring his original rage-fueled alter ego back for an epic fight against Red Hulk. However, this showdown probably won’t happen in a while.
Our Take On Julius Onah’s Red Hulk Comments
There Might Be A Lot Captain America: Brave New World Hasn’t Revealed In Its Trailers
Captain America: Brave New World‘s trailers have put a lot of focus on President Ross’ transformation into Red Hulk at the White House, which suggests that Red Hulk will only appear in a single action scene. However, Captain America: Brave New World‘s promotional material has only teased Red Hulk’s heat powers, meaning that plenty of footage hasn’t been revealed yet. Just like Red Hulk’s heat abilities will probably remain under wraps until Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters, there could be many other scenes starring Harrison Ford’s President Ross that will only be unveiled on February 14.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Captain America: Brave New World
- Release Date
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February 14, 2025
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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 23, 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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