How could Thunderbolt Ross become the MCU’s Red Hulk?

Red Hulk makes his MCU debut in Captain America: Brave New WorldBut previous events would prove to make this impossible. In the MCU Captain America: Brave New WorldHarrison Ford takes on the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, replacing the late William Hurt, who first portrayed the character in The Incredible Hulk. Ross has been a significant figure in the MCU, playing the aggressive military leader obsessed with controlling or eradicating the Hulk. With his return in Brave New WorldThere is a strong possibility that the MCU could finally deliver Ross’ transformation into the Red Hulk.

In Marvel Comics, General Ross becomes Red Hulk after being exposed to gamma radiation and a variation of the Super Soldier Serum. This parallels Bruce Banner’s origin as the Hulk in the MCU, where Banner’s transformation resulted from an experiment to recreate the serum that transformed Steve Rogers into Captain America. However, bringing Red Hulk into the MCU isn’t as simple as recreating his comic book origins. The MCU timeline has evolved his story, creating hurdles that need to be addressed before Ross can become the monstrous Red Hulk.

The big problem for the MCU origin of Red Hulk

The super soldier serum is destroyed

One major obstacle standing in the way of Ross’ transformation into Red Hulk is the fate of the super soldier serum in the MCU. in The Falcon and the Winter SoldierBaron Zemo destroyed all remaining samples of the serum. This leaves the question of how Ross could access the serum to begin his transformation into Red Hulk. Since the serum was originally designed to enhance human abilities, it is Key to Ross becoming the powerful, rage-filled Red Hulk.

Zemo’s destruction of the serum creates a roadblock. With no super soldier serum seemingly left, Ross will need to find another means of becoming Red Hulk. The MCU has been meticulous in showing that the serum is rare, heavily protected, and difficult to recreate. Any new super soldier serum would have to be developed in secret or through an unconventional method, as previous experiments were heavily monitored and resulting in dangerous consequences like abomination.

The MCU has set up other Super Soldier Serum answers

Many similar experiments are still going on in the MCU

The MCU has introduced several alternative super soldier serums and related experiments, each of which could serve as the catalyst for the transformation of General Ross. in The Incredible HulkA variation of the super soldier serum was used on Emil Blonsky, which, combined with gamma rays, turned him into the monstrous beast. This serum may be the key to creating Red Hulk, as Ross HAs extensive knowledge of the experimentsHaving them alone. Given the similarities between Blonsky’s transformation and the Red Hulk in the comics, Ross could use the serum as the basis for his own transformation.

in The Falcon and the Winter SoldierIt was revealed that the US The experiments, although inhumane, prove that the serum is not completely lost. The secret continuation of the experiments could serve as a plot point in Ross’s transformation, suggesting that He can obtain one of the lesser-known serums for his own use.

Nick Fury’s efforts to keep the Avengers are well documented, particularly his secret methods of collecting data on each member. It is possible that Ross could gain access to Fury’s stored DNA samples of superhuman individuals Like Bruce Banner. These samples, when experimented on, could lead to a new form of the Super Soldier Serum that incorporates the Hulk’s gamma-based transformation.

in The Incredible HulkA sample of Bruce Banner’s blood was used to transform Samuel Sterns into the villain known as The Leader. This blood is an active source of gamma-infused serum and can cause significant mutations in those exposed to it. Ross can use the same blood, Possibly in conjunction with the leaderto cause his transformation into Red Hulk. This option is quite plausible since *The Leader* is set to return in *Captain America: Brave New World*, potentially tying Ross’s arc to it.

Of the alternatives, the most likely scenario for Ross becoming Red Hulk could involve a combination of ​​the Abomination Serum and Bruce Banner’s gamma-infused blood. That would Bond Ross’s transformation parallels the established history of Hulk experiments In the MCU. The result would create a logical and organic narrative.

Why would Thunderbolt Ross want to be a Hulk?

Thaddeus Ross has historically hunted the Hulk

Thunderbolt Ross’s hatred for the Hulk was A defining aspect of his character Since his introduction in the MCU. However, his desire to control or destroy the Hulk may be the reason he ends up becoming one himself. In the comics, Ross’ transformation into Red Hulk stems from a complex mix of personal and professional motivations, many of which could effectively translate into the MCU.

In the comics, Ross undergoes the transformation to gain power and control. This could easily be adapted into the MCU, with Ross viewing the Hulk’s power as a means to secure authority and Finally defeat the enemies that he cannot control by conventional means. Becoming Red Hulk would offer Ross a way to take the fight directly to Bruce Banner, accept his past failures and show that he can use the power he once sought to eliminate. Another compelling motivation for Ross to undergo such a dangerous transformation may be his deteriorating health.

in Black WidowIt is implied that Ross has ongoing medical issues. These may push him to seek extreme measures to prolong his life or regain his strength, even if it means becoming the very thing he despises. Ross Bitterness and resentment towards the superhero community may also play a roleEspecially after his involvement in the Sokovia Accords and his failure to bring the Avengers under control. His desire to remain relevant in a world increasingly dominated by superhumans may push him to drastic measures, including becoming the Red Hulk.

Additionally, Ross’s resentment towards the superhero community has been building since the events of Civil war. His inability to control the Avengers, combined with his personal vendetta against Bruce Banner, may lead him to a breaking point where becoming Red Hulk is not only a means of survival but also revenge. The MCU has carefully crafted Ross’s character to show that he is willing to take extraordinary steps to achieve his goals, making his transformation into Red Hulk both believable and inevitable.