Summary
Ever since Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008 withThe Incredible Hulk, fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Red Hulk. Rumors have circulated for years that the character would appear in various projects, but Red Hulk is finally confirmed to make his debut inCaptain America: Brave New World. Having already been teased in the early marketing for the film, it looks as though the character is set to be important to the overall storyline.
However, with Marvel Studios being so open with Red Hulk’s appearance inCaptain America: Brave New World, does that mean that’s only a hint of what awaits? Marvel is known for secrecy, so the fact that Red Hulk has already been shown in marketing items for the film, it seems to suggest perhaps Marvel has another twist up its sleeve. So, what kind of surprise could the studio be planning?
Red Hulk Has Been Prominent in the Marketing
When it comes to marketing, Marvel Studios knows what its doing. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige is careful with what is revealed in marketing materials, wanting to keep as many surprises on hand for fans once the project debuts. This is something we’ve seen most recently withDeadpool & Wolverine, a filmfilled with plenty of Easter eggsand guest stars sure to delight audiences. The studio made the decision to showcase one of the appearances,Dafne Keen, as X-23 in the film’s very last trailer, knowing it was only a tease for the rest of the film. It was also a decision Feige thought over carefully, having stated he felt the surprise would be ruined when the actress showed up at the premiere, so they decided to showcase Laura in the trailer for Keen to come to the film’s premiere without issue. It was a surprising move for the studio, especially given how much Marvel Studios is known for trying to maintain a sense of secrecy. However, it seems the studio is beginning to pull back the curtain a bit more on its future releases, having already teasedHarrison Ford’s Red Hulkin the first trailer and poster forCaptain America: Brave New World.
The studio upped the ante with its Red Hulk marketing when it brought Ford out alongside the rest of the cast during the studio’s Hall H presentation at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. Along with Ford teasing how he hulks out in the film, Feige unveiled exclusive footage of the film that showcased Red Hulk’s face for the first time. With the trailer having only given a brief tease of Red Hulk, avoiding showing the character’s face, it was a surprising move from Marvel. One that could suggest Red Hulk might not be the biggest surprise in the film, despite being a pivotal piece of the marketing thus far. The question, however, is what could Marvel Studios possibly have in store that’ll be bigger than Red Hulk? We know thatThe Leaderis returning, and while the character hasn’t physically been teased yet, he did briefly speak inthe teaser trailerand actor Tim Blake Nelson was on hand at Comic-Con to tease his long-awaited return to Marvel. With two big characters set to appear in the film, what else could the film have planned?
What Other Twist Can be Behind Red Hulk?
Captain America: Brave New Worldwill mark the return of Ross since the unfortunate passing of actor William Hurt two years ago. With a star like Ford set to take over the role, and Red Hulk confirmed to appear, the character seems likely to play an important role in the project. But could there be more to the Red Hulk’s appearance? Ross appears to be an antagonist, judging by the trailer and marketing thus far. However, withGiancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinderand The Leader also on board, is it possible there will be a twist with Red Hulk by the film’s end? An actor like Ford is a huge get for Marvel Studios, and the film looks to have captured the spy thriller aesthetic ofCaptain America: The Winter Soldier. One theory suggests that Marvel Studios could seek totackle the Gamma CorpswithBrave New World. If that is the case, it would make sense why the studio has openly showcased Red Hulk in the film’s marketing. It would also explain why Marvel finally opted to bring back The Leader after sixteen years.
As Marvel seeks to ramp up the marketing forBrave New World, one can only hope we’ll start to get a better idea as to what the studio has planned for Red Hulk. Yes, Ross is seeking to use Captain America as a military tool. But could Ross also be a part of the reason the Avengers eventually come back together leading up toAvengers: Doomsday? According to Captain America himself, Anthony Mackie,Brave New Worldhas nothing to do with the story told inThe Incredible Hulk. Despite this, the film does look to have big implications for the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe, as it isset to introduce Adamantiumand the Serpent Society. Either way, whateverBrave New Worldhas in store for Red Hulk, it seems likely to be big.
