Marvel fans eagerly awaited the latest Captain America: Brave New World trailer, which finally delivered a jaw-dropping glimpse of Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk transformation. At the D23 Expo Brazil, Marvel Studios unveiled the trailer, where President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford) undergoes his dark transformation into the Red Hulk, positioning himself in a tense showdown against Sam Wilson’s Captain America (Anthony Mackie). This exciting trailer confirms Captain America: Brave New World will be the first major MCU film of 2025, ushering in a new era of political thrillers within the superhero genre and marking a high-stakes chapter for the MCU’s Phase 5.
Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk Debut Sets New MCU Standards
For years, fans have speculated about the possibility of Red Hulk joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Captain America: Brave New World trailer’s breakdown brings those rumors to life, with Harrison Ford taking on the iconic Red Hulk role, previously portrayed in comics as a transformed, super-powered version of Ross. Ford’s character appears conflicted, driven by power, yet seemingly manipulated by other forces in the MCU. Red Hulk’s inclusion hints at a fierce battle between Ford’s character and Sam Wilson’s Captain America, adding dramatic layers to the already-complex Marvel storylines.
This revelation not only introduces Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk but also redefines Ross’s motivations and connections within the MCU. Long known as a determined authority figure, Ross is now shown embracing his darker side, which leads him into an inevitable clash with heroes like Sam Wilson. His transformation into Red Hulk could position him as a multi-dimensional adversary and one of the MCU’s most significant threats.
What Captain America: Brave New World Reveals About the Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk Role
The Captain America: Brave New World trailer breakdown provides fans with an extended look at Ford’s Red Hulk, capturing the intense interactions between Ross and other key characters. Marvel introduces new characters like Sabra (Shira Haas), whose alias as Ruth Bat-Seraph brings a formidable presence alongside Ross. Sabra’s allegiance with Ross seems poised to add layers of conspiracy and intrigue to the storyline, hinting at a possible alliance with Red Hulk.
The trailer emphasizes a suspenseful, political thriller atmosphere, reminiscent of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It opens with the transformation of Ross into the Red Hulk, teasing the challenges that Sam Wilson will face as the new Captain America. Additionally, the appearance of the Leader, a long-time Hulk adversary, implies further tensions, with Ross and Sam possibly caught in the crossfire of an even larger conflict.
Harrison Ford as Red Hulk: A Game-Changer for MCU Storylines
Harrison Ford’s role as Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World brings gravitas and depth to the MCU. As a legendary actor stepping into an iconic Marvel role, Ford adds authenticity and weight, especially in scenes where he portrays Ross’s internal struggle between duty and power. This duality has defined Ross’s character in the comics and films, but as Red Hulk, he becomes something darker, hinting that Marvel may use Ross to show how power can corrupt even the most steadfast individuals.
Ross’s transformation is a bold narrative choice, setting the stage for larger story arcs in Phase 5. His newly acquired powers as Red Hulk could make him a pivotal figure in Captain America: Brave New World, hinting at possible crossover events with other MCU titles. Ford’s portrayal could inspire storylines that explore Red Hulk’s complex identity and motivations, ultimately leading him to ally or clash with other heroes based on shifting alliances and the stakes of each confrontation.
New Allies and Adversaries: Sabra, the Leader, and Isaiah Bradley’s Return
The Captain America: Brave New World trailer breakdown showcases returning and new characters that deepen the narrative complexity. Shira Haas debuts as Sabra, whose character draws from her comic book roots as an Israeli superhero with a complicated backstory. As she aligns herself with Ross, Sabra’s mysterious motivations introduce an element of surprise that fans didn’t anticipate. Whether she will remain loyal to Ross or shift allegiances remains to be seen.
Carl Lumbly’s Isaiah Bradley also returns in the trailer, but fans are left questioning his intentions after seeing a seemingly brainwashed Isaiah attack President Ross. The trailer frames this scene with suspense, leaving viewers wondering if Bradley’s actions are voluntary or manipulated. Adding further intrigue, the Leader is teased as a potential antagonist, suggesting that he may have had a hand in Isaiah’s possible brainwashing. His connection to Ross and Red Hulk brings further suspense to the unfolding plot.
Tiamut’s Celestial Corpse and Unanswered Questions from Marvel’s Eternals
The trailer reveals an unexpected yet exciting visual: a massive battle taking place around the arm of Tiamut the Communicator, a Celestial frozen in marble. This striking setting introduces a tie-in to Eternals, which left fans puzzled by the lack of acknowledgment of Tiamut’s fate across other MCU films. The inclusion of Tiamut’s arm as a battle site could signal Marvel’s willingness to address lingering questions from Eternals, perhaps using the iconic location as a means to tie together disparate elements of the MCU.
Tiamut’s monumental corpse, left untouched for so long, might serve as a key plot device that furthers both the Captain America and Eternals storylines, establishing new connections. Marvel has used similar crossovers in past films to weave storylines and emphasize the multiverse’s interconnectedness, making Tiamut’s appearance in Captain America: Brave New World more than just a mere Easter egg.
Sam Wilson’s Captain America Faces His Greatest Challenge Yet
For Sam Wilson, taking up the mantle of Captain America is no small task. The trailer implies that Sam, having learned valuable lessons from Steve Rogers, is ready to confront Ross’s Red Hulk, who brings an unmatched level of power and intimidation to the role of antagonist. This intense conflict showcases Sam’s courage and loyalty to the values that Steve instilled, contrasting sharply with Ross’s willingness to embrace his newfound power as the Red Hulk.
Sam’s evolution as Captain America is especially significant in Brave New World, marking his journey from reluctant hero in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier to the fearless leader fans see in the trailer. His tactical approach to the Red Hulk reflects the wisdom he’s gained, emphasizing the strategic mindset he brings to the table as Captain America. Marvel fans can expect an emotional arc for Sam, who must confront Ross’s corruption while upholding his duty to protect the world.
What Marvel’s 2025 Lineup Means for Phase 5 and Phase 6
With Captain America: Brave New World set for a February 14, 2025 release, fans are looking forward to a transformative year for Marvel. Alongside Brave New World, Marvel’s 2025 slate includes Thunderbolts, another film leaning into political themes, and Fantastic Four: First Steps, which will open Phase 6. The return of Harrison Ford as Red Hulk cements Brave New World as one of the most anticipated films of the year, underscoring Marvel’s continued investment in complex, multi-dimensional villains.
Ford’s role as Red Hulk could also act as a stepping stone, leading the way for Marvel to explore darker, morally complex themes. The political undercurrents and espionage-laden elements align closely with the MCU’s acclaimed The Winter Soldier, but with new twists and a character-driven narrative that promises to keep fans engaged.
Will We See Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk Beyond Captain America: Brave New World?
As Marvel expands its universe, the prospect of Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk appearing in future titles has fans excited. Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk might be Marvel’s way of setting up larger, high-stakes conflicts that spill over into other storylines. If Marvel’s track record is any indication, Red Hulk’s potential future appearances could include partnerships or rivalries with characters like the Thunderbolts, creating an interconnected web that extends well beyond Captain America: Brave New World.
Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk portrayal could give Marvel new avenues for exploring themes of ambition and morality, potentially positioning him as a reoccurring character in subsequent MCU phases. With Red Hulk poised to become a complex and formidable figure in the MCU, Captain America: Brave New World may serve as the beginning of a long and intense arc for Ford’s Ross.
