The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to evolve with Captain America: Brave New World, the latest installment set to redefine the legacy of Captain America. While Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson takes center stage, much of the intrigue surrounds Harrison Ford’s portrayal of President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross—who eventually makes his dramatic transformation into Red Hulk.
But how does his journey unfold, and what does it mean for the future of the MCU? Director Julius Onah pulled back the curtain on Ross’ fate, test screenings, and the emotional weight behind the character’s arc.
Ross’ Redemption or Ruin?
From the moment Harrison Ford was cast as President Ross, fans speculated about the extent of his role. Would Marvel finally introduce Red Hulk to the big screen? Would Ross follow his comic book counterpart’s trajectory, or would he take an entirely new path?
According to Onah, the central theme guiding Ross’ journey is empathy and redemption. The character, who has long been painted as a government figure willing to cross ethical lines for national security, faces a turning point in Brave New World. His story, Onah revealed, is deeply intertwined with Sam Wilson’s own growth as Captain America.
“Knowing that Sam’s emotional intelligence is so acute, it became, ‘Wow, what if there was a way to have him utilize that to resolve Ross’ story and reinforce this theme of empathy?’” said Onah.
Ross isn’t just a power-hungry political figure anymore—he realizes the consequences of his choices and faces a deeply personal reckoning. This arc also ties into his strained relationship with his daughter, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), adding an emotional layer to his internal struggle.
Red Hulk’s Entry: A Long-Awaited Reveal
For years, fans have speculated on when the MCU would introduce Red Hulk, and Brave New World seems to have finally delivered. Onah remained careful about sharing too many spoilers, but he confirmed that Ross’ transformation into his gamma-powered alter ego plays a pivotal role in the film’s climax.
In Marvel comics, Red Hulk (or “Rulk,” as he’s sometimes called) retains much of his military-driven ruthlessness, but he’s also an unstoppable force with the potential to rival even the strongest Avengers. However, in the MCU, the filmmakers had to ensure his transformation felt earned. It wasn’t about creating another Hulk-like creature, but rather about weaving it into Ross’ journey of redemption—or destruction.
The reveal of his monstrous new form is heavily influenced by Sam Wilson’s diplomacy and leadership, highlighting that not every enemy needs to be taken down with brute force. The film challenges the notion that power alone defines leadership, a recurring theme throughout Sam’s tenure as the new Captain America.
Harrison Ford’s Immense Presence on Set
One of the biggest highlights for Onah was the opportunity to direct Harrison Ford. A Hollywood legend with decades of experience, Ford wasn’t just coming into the MCU for a cameo—he wanted to deeply understand Ross and what makes him tick.
“He wanted to collaborate. He wanted to figure out his character. He wanted to feel directed and be directed,” Onah shared.
For a director who once watched Clear and Present Danger as a child and is now guiding one of Ford’s performances, it was a surreal experience. Despite Ford’s long-established status as an action star, Onah emphasized how committed he was to bringing nuance to his performance.
The Ending That Almost Didn’t Happen
Onah also revealed that Ross’ fate wasn’t always set in stone. Early versions of the script explored different conclusions, including one where Ross refused to atone for his past actions. Another draft had him sacrificing himself in a climactic battle, but ultimately, Marvel Studios aimed for something unexpected—an arc centered around reconciliation rather than simple punishment or destruction.
“We always knew the story needed to end in an emotional place that felt satisfying and felt cathartic,” Onah explained.
Ross may have been relentless in his early years, but Brave New World challenges the audience’s perception of what redemption looks like. Ford’s portrayal brings out a Ross who isn’t just a villainous military figure, but a man wrestling with his conscience.
What Does This Mean for the MCU’s Future?
With Ross’ transformation into Red Hulk, the MCU has opened the door to several major storylines. His future is ripe with possibilities—could he become an antihero, much like his comic book counterpart? Or is Brave New World setting the stage for Ross to be a major antagonist in future Marvel films?
- The film subtly nods to the Serpent Society, a villainous organization that could play a key role in upcoming projects.
- Ross’ daughter, Betty, being featured so prominently might signal Marvel’s intention to explore the “Hulk family” lore in more depth.
- With Thunderbolts set for release soon, speculation is mounting that Ross could play a role in assembling (or dismantling) the upcoming super-team.
Final Thoughts: A Brave New Era for Marvel
With Captain America: Brave New World hitting the $300 million mark at the global box office, it’s clear that audiences are invested in the MCU’s next phase. Its success is not just about legacy characters like Ross, but also about how Marvel is handling character development and relational depth in a way that goes beyond spectacle.
Harrison Ford’s Ross is more than just a supporting figure in this new chapter—he’s a symbol of the moral complexity in a world where strength isn’t just measured in power, but in actions and accountability. His fate might not be a simple one, but one thing is certain: the MCU isn’t done with Red Hulk yet.
As fans continue dissecting the film’s ending and post-credits scene, one question lingers—where does Ross go from here? One thing’s for sure: the next phase of the MCU just got even more unpredictable.
Source: Hollywood Reporter