The Red Hulk can be a nuisance, but he is fun. The first version of the character appeared in 2008’sHulk (Vol. 2) #1, later revealed to be Bruce Banner’s nemesis and father-in-law, General Thunderbolt Ross. The character was given the ability to transform into the Red Hulk by the criminal organizations A.I.M. and the Intelligencia to compete fairly against the original Hulk. Four-star General Robert Maverick then took over in 2017’sU.S.Avengers #1before Joe Fixit appeared as a version of the character in 2021’sImmortal Hulk #45.
Since his debut, Red Hulk has appeared in several forms of media, including 11 video games. However, he has only appeared in five movies and TV shows, most recently inCaptain America: Brave New World, portrayed by Harrison Ford.According to the Russo Brothers, Red Hulk was considered for Captain America: Civil WarandAvengers: Endgame, butthey changed their minds, believing the character deserved his playfield. Nonetheless, audiences will be glad that he has finally shown up in live-action.
5‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ (2012 – 2017)
InUltimate Spider-Man, Peter Parker spends the first two seasons dealing withhis usual band of enemies. There is Norman Osborn, who wants to create an army of Spider-Men using Peter’s DNA, and Doctor Octopus, who intends to bring all miscreants together to bring down the superhero once and for all. Later,Nick Fury recruits Peter and tasks him with leading a group of heroes known as the New Warriors.
Red Hulk is first seen as a participant in the Grandmaster’s ‘Contest of Champions’ contest.He later abandons his villainous ways and joins the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.
Red Hulk to the Rescue
Fans would prefer to watch fisticuffs between Red Hulk and the superheroes rather than banter, but it is refreshing to see the monster all cordial, though he is still arrogant, with an ego the size of his arms. Red Hulk also believes he should lead the group. Despite his annoying mannerisms, he proves very useful.
Thanks to his military background, Red Hulkhas numerous advanced weapons that he shares with his fellow heroes.These include a hand-held minigun, a Gatling Laser Cannon, and missile launchers from the Red Hulk-Buster. In other episodes, he is seen with a powerful rapid fire gamma cannon and Gamma grenades.
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4‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025)
InCaptain America: Brave New World, Sam Wilson fully embraces his role as the new Captain America. Meanwhile,President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) finds himself in a tussle with other countries over newly discovered adamantium minerals on Celestial Island.Soon, the villain Dr. Samuel Sterns, aka, the Leader, begins scheming against Ross. As tensions boil, Ross ends up transforming into the Red Hulk, resulting in a major battle with Captain America.
The Movie is Economical with Red Hulk
The film leaves fans with a bittersweet feeling regarding Red Hulk. First,Thaddeus Ross is more interesting here than in any other live-action production,not just because he is portrayed by Harrison Ford. Ross is POTUS, and his arc is more fleshed out compared to other MCU movies. It’s fun watching him trying to navigate geopolitics while improving government-superhero relations.
However,Captain America: Brave New Worldoffers very little of Red Hulk, unlike what had been promised in the advertising material. It takes an awful lot of time for Ross to transform into the monster, and even then, he isn’t malicious, just angry. Not exactly what everyone wanted to see.
3‘Avengers Assemble’ (2013 – 2019)
Created to capitalize on the success of the 2012 filmThe Avengers,Avengers Assemblefollows various Marvel superheroes in their world-saving adventures.The events are mostly captured through the eyes of Falcon, who happens to be the newest member of the Avengers.
In Season 1, the heroes take on Red Skull before dealing with Thanos in Season 2. Ultorn then appears, followed by Kang and Killmonger. Later in the series, Truman Marsh (Ultron’s secret disguise) replaces Hulk with Red Hulk when he is appointed the group’s government liaison.
Same Old Ross
Red Hulk gets manipulated a few times on the show, but he remains useful for the most part.His best moments are witnessed when he is working together with the Avengersrather than being villainous. His frequent clashes with Captain America over strategies are often fun to see. As a former general, Red Hulk believes he knows best, but Cap often dismisses him for his leap-first-ask-later attitude.
Throughout the series, Red Hulk participates in key battles against Ultron, Thanos, and Kang the Conqueror, proving formidable in each case. Questions might be raised about his necessity, since Hulk is also active, but it’s always nice to have an extra pair of ‘big’ hands.
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2‘The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ (2010 – 2012)
In Season 1 ofThe Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,the Avengers deal with the Leader, Baron Zemo, Kang the Conqueror, and Ultron, as well as the criminal organizations A.I.M. and Hydra. Loki also orchestrates a prison break so that he can distract the heroes and conquer Earth. In Season 2, Ms. Marvel and the Vision join the group. Together,they take on Doctor Doom, Red Hulk, and the Red Skull, as well as the extraterrestrial threats, the Skrulls, the Kree, and Galactus.
Endless Red-Smashing
Fans craving for proper Hulk vs Red Hulk contests should chooseThe Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest HeroeswhereRoss pursues Banner in an almost deranged manner.He is willing to let anyone die so long as he gets to Hulk. This is best seen in the episode “The Deadliest Man Alive” where he throws a boat full of people at Hulk and claims that there were always casualties during times of war.
The show also presents a very detailed backstory for the character.His journey as the Red Hulk begins on the Hellcarrier when the Winter Soldier injects him with a modified version of the Hulk’s blood. From there, it’s all chaos. He damages the Hellcarrier and destroys almost everything in his path. You’ll love the carnage.
1‘Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.’ (2013 – 2015)
Hulk and his fellow gamma-powered heroes are bothered by their low popularity ratings inHulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.Disturbed by the fact that the public now thinks of them as monsters,they decide to participate in a reality show where cameras will be on them 24/7.The team consisting of Hulk, She-Hulk, Skaar, Red Hulk, and A-Bomb thus come together as the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. and do their best to convince the world that they are awesome. At some point, Skaar gets exposed as the Leader’s mole, but the Agents eventually convince him to change his ways.
The Most Likable Red Hulk
This version of Red Hulk is arguably cooler than the rest, since he isn’t just about rage and shorts. Here,the character prefers wearing full combat gear, making him look more badass. He also enjoys weapons more than any other version of the character, which makes sense given his military experience.
Red Hulk’s love for weapons doesn’t make him any weaker. Whenever he needs to use his powers, he always proves very capable. For example, he uses his gamma energy power to drain Green Skull and Hydra Leader’s gamma weapon, disabling it. The move also transformed Green Skull back into Red Skull.
