Will ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Reveal Bruce Banner’s Red Hulk Transformation? 

It has been over a decade since the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced its formidable Hulk, initially brought to life by Edward Norton and later by the acclaimed Mark Ruffalo. Although Hulk’s sheer power has not been fully showcased recently, Ruffalo’s portrayal of Bruce Banner has evolved, depicting a complex balance between his human self and his gamma-powered alter ego. 

However, the Marvel universe is set to expand further with the introduction of Red Hulk in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. The Red Hulk, a monstrous alter ego of Thunderbolt Ross, will be portrayed by Harrison Ford in this exciting new instalment of the ‘Captain America’ series. This development promises to bring fresh dynamics to the MCU, and fans are eager to see how this new character will fit into the existing narrative.

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An intriguing theory has emerged among fans, suggesting that the Red Hulk might undergo an experience reminiscent of what Bruce Banner described in ‘The Avengers’. According to a Reddit user known as iamneel, Ross could face a situation akin to Banner’s failed suicide attempt, where he realised he could not rid himself of his destructive alter ego. 

In a memorable scene from ‘The Avengers’, Banner reveals, “I put a bullet in my mouth, and the other guy spit it out.” This moment could potentially mirror Red Hulk’s own struggles. This theory gains traction from recent footage shown at D23, where Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross is seen transforming into Red Hulk in a dramatic scene. 

The footage depicts Ross at a podium when he suddenly collapses and morphs into Red Hulk, suggesting a high-stakes moment where he might be under threat. The theorist posits that this transformation could occur during an assassination attempt on President Ross, with Red Hulk emerging to protect him from harm.

Furthermore, the theorist speculates that Ross might undergo a permanent transformation into Red Hulk within the MCU, with Ford’s role possibly being brief compared to other prominent actors like Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett. This potential permanent change would mark a significant shift in the MCU, adding depth and complexity to the character dynamics in the franchise.

-Sushmita Sarkar