Captain America: Brave New Worlddirector Julius Onah recently spoke about howthe inclusion of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross/Red Hulkshaped the overall thematic message of the next Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Thunderbolt Ross will be portrayed by legendary actor Harrison Ford, following the unfortunate passing of William Hurt, who had played the role since 2008. This iteration of the character was recently elected as the President of the United States. In keeping with his past appearances, he will be an antagonist to Sam Wilson/Captain America and Joaquin Torres/Falcon, played by Anthony Mackie and Danny Ramirez, respectively.
As part ofFandango’s Big Ticket interviewseries, Onah opened up about the inclusion of Red Hulk inCaptain America: Brave New Worldand his relation to the core themes of the film. The director revealed that he"was smiling like a kid" when “Red Hulk first became a possibility in this film.” Because of his excitement, he “knew this was the right idea and the right moment to put him out there in the world.” Moreover, Onah was enthusiastic about the casting of Ross, explaining “having an actor like Harrison Ford play Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, knowing that he’s going to have scenes with Anthony Mackie,” added to the film.
Speaking more directly about the Hulk, Onah stated: “The Hulk character is such an expression of pure id, but there’s something about, especially a rage Hulk, that is so relatable and exciting for an audience,but there’s also a real thematic core when it comes to the expression of that anger in this film, and what it means about the conflict at the center of this film.” He went on to say that “it’s not just like the inner kid in [him] that’s excited about it, but the director or the storyteller in [him] is also excited about where this goes, and thematically what this film has to say.”
Red Hulk’s Complete MCU Timeline Explained: Super Soldier Origin, Avengers Villain, & President
A number of key moments in the MCU timeline led to Thaddeus Ross finally turning into the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World.
Per Onah, the message behindCaptain America: Brave New Worldcontributes to “a really exciting Captain America film.” The director further teased that “sitting side by side with everything that [Mackie and Ramirez] have been a part of in the past,” the film “is going to be a real treat for audiences.”
What Julius Onah’s Red Hulk Comments Mean For Captain America 4
Onah’s enthusiasm for how Red Hulk contributes to the message ofCaptain America: Brave New Worlddemonstrates a clear vision for what he wants the film to be. Moreover, the director has an understanding of the Hulk and Red Hulk characters, specifically how they are emotionally driven and lack the inhibitions of their human counterparts. Contrasting that with the cold, often calculating Ross will make for an interesting villain, especially for a hero like Sam, who is new to the Captain America role.
Our Take On Julius Onah’s Red Hulk Comments
If Onah’s excitement is anything to go off of, fans will be in for a fun ride whenCaptain America: Brave New Worldhits theaters in February. Given Ross' status in the MCU as a longstanding, nonphysical threat, it will be interesting to see Red Hulk bring out a different aspect of the politician. Additionally, Ford is an excellent actor with experience in many genres. While the late Hurt will be missed in the role, Ford has the potential to make a memorable villain for Captain America, joining a long line of solid MCU villains for the Star-Spangled Man.
Captain America: Brave New World
Cast
Captain America: Brave New World (formerly titledNew World Order)marks Sam Wilson’s first MCU big-screen appearance as Steve Rogers' successor after receiving the suit and shield in Phase 4’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Anthony Mackie returns as the titular Avenger alongside Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Carl Lumby as Isaiah Bradley, and Tim Blake Nelson as The Incredible Hulk’s former ally Samuel Sterns. Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.After meeting President Thaddeus Ross, Sam is caught in a global crisis. He must expose the mastermind behind a sinister plot before the world descends into turmoil. Captain America: Brave New World marks the big-screen debut of Sam Wilson as Captain America, and Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut, replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.
