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Photograph: (Image Courtesy: Screen Rant)
Even before the release of ‘Captain America: Brave New World’, Marvel Studios had already made it clear that Red Hulk would appear—leaving little room for surprise. The film marked Anthony Mackie’s first feature-length outing as Captain America, and he faced off against President Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, now transformed into Red Hulk after a gamma-powered mutation. Played this time by Harrison Ford, who stepped into the role following the death of William Hurt, Ross’s transformation became a central element of the film’s marketing campaign.
Trailers prominently featured the final showdown: Sam Wilson in his vibranium-winged suit clashing with a fully enraged Red Hulk. For some viewers, the decision to reveal the climax in the promotional material seemed like a missed opportunity—perhaps one that could have delivered more impact if kept secret.
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However, director Julius Onah said that holding back Red Hulk simply wasn’t realistic. He explained that once news broke that Harrison Ford had joined the MCU as Ross, speculation exploded within the fandom. Onah said that, ideally, the reveal would’ve been saved as an in-theatre surprise, but acknowledged that it’s nearly impossible to maintain secrecy today. With fan theories, leaks, and even merchandise potentially giving things away, Onah noted that something like a toy or a trailer would have eventually spoiled it.
Onah Says Emotional Depth and Unity Are Core to Sam Wilson’s Captain America
Beyond the action scenes, Onah emphasized that the film’s heart lies in its characters and themes. He said that while the visuals—like a man flying with vibranium wings or a massive Red Hulk—were exciting, they only truly resonated when rooted in human emotion and deeper meaning. Onah reflected on what Sam Wilson represents as Captain America, suggesting that the power of the role comes from its symbolism: the idea that people from different walks of life can unite with shared hope and purpose. He acknowledged that it might sound overly optimistic but believed such unity is essential to building a sense of community.
