Captain America: Brave New World is set to be a significant entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), scheduled for release in 2025. As anticipation builds, new details about the film’s villains have emerged, particularly through a recent leak associated with a McDonald’s Happy Meal. This leak has confirmed that Red Hulk will be one of the primary antagonists in the upcoming movie.
For those who may not be familiar, General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, has a long history in the Marvel comics as one of the Hulk’s most formidable foes. His transformation into Red Hulk has been a topic of speculation for some time, and now it appears that this evolution will play a crucial role in Captain America 4.
Red Hulk first made his appearance in Marvel’s 2008 Hulk series. Unlike the original Hulk, who becomes stronger with anger, Red Hulk’s power is tied to his emotional state in a different way. While he possesses immense strength and durability, his intelligence remains intact when transformed. However, his anger leads to overheating due to excess gamma radiation, making him vulnerable in a unique manner.
In the comics, Ross’s identity as Red Hulk was kept under wraps for nearly two years before being revealed. This transformation brought a new layer of complexity to his character, as he began to empathize with Bruce Banner’s struggles. Eventually, Ross joined the Avengers, but his journey took a dark turn, leading to imprisonment and ultimately his demise in a plot against Captain America.
In Captain America: Brave New World, Ross’s character is expected to evolve significantly. Following the events of 2023’s Secret Invasion, he has ascended to the role of U.S. president. This new position places him in a unique light, as the world grapples with the aftermath of the Snap and the threat of alien shape-shifters. Ross’s military background and experience with superhuman affairs make him a compelling leader during this tumultuous time.
In the footage screened at CinemaCon, Ross is seen expressing gratitude to Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, for his efforts in recovering a valuable resource from a mining site. This resource, rumored to be adamantium, could play a pivotal role in the conflict of the film. As Ross seeks to harness this material for national defense, his militaristic approach may clash with Wilson’s ideals, setting the stage for a significant conflict.
As the story unfolds, it is likely that Ross’s obsession with power and protection will lead him to undergo the transformation into Red Hulk. This shift could position him as a tragic figure, becoming the very thing he once opposed. The dynamic between Wilson and Ross, especially as they navigate their differing philosophies, will be a central theme in the film.
Additionally, the film will introduce another villain, Sidewinder, played by Giancarlo Esposito. Sidewinder is the leader of the Serpent Society, a group of villains from the comics. His character is expected to provide a grounded and realistic antagonist for Wilson to confront, adding another layer of complexity to the film’s narrative.
With the introduction of both Red Hulk and Sidewinder, Captain America: Brave New World is shaping up to be a formidable challenge for Sam Wilson. The stakes are high, and the film promises to explore themes of power, responsibility, and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.
As the MCU continues to expand, the interplay between these villains and the heroes will be crucial in shaping the future of the franchise. The potential for Red Hulk to become a member of the Thunderbolts, a team of anti-heroes, raises intriguing questions about his character arc and the implications of his actions in Brave New World.
In conclusion, Captain America: Brave New World is poised to deliver a thrilling narrative filled with complex characters and moral dilemmas. The introduction of Red Hulk and Sidewinder as villains will challenge Sam Wilson in ways that test his leadership and ideals. As fans eagerly await the film’s release, the exploration of these characters promises to be a highlight of the MCU’s next phase.
Source: IGN, Screen Rant
