The Red Hulk is finally on his way to the Marvel Cinematic Universe–but that may be bad news for one of the franchise’s oldest villains.
Captain America: New World Order is heavily rumored to include the live-action debut of the Red Hulk, but this brand-new villain’s arrival could signal the beginning of the end for another one of the Incredible Hulk’s long-time enemies. Harrison Ford will portray Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in the upcoming Captain America film, taking over the role after William Hurt’s death in 2022. Marvel’s renewed interest in the character despite behind-the-scenes complications suggests that his comic book alter ego is finally on the way, but his debut would almost certainly spell the doom of another recently revisited villain from the earliest days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Thunderbolt Ross isn’t alone among The Incredible Hulk characters that the MCU has revisited in recent years. In addition to Ross’s return in New World Order, the long-absent Dr. Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), a.k.a. the Leader, will also appear in the upcoming film, marking the first time that he has been seen onscreen in over a decade. Additionally, Tim Roth’s Emil Blonsky, a.k.a. the Abomination, also made a quick cameo in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings before returning for several episodes of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, signaling a new era of canonicity for The Incredible Hulk and its long-truant cast of characters in the MCU.
The Red Hulk’s MCU Debut Could Be The End For The Abomination
With Phase 5 unveiling the Red Hulk in the MCU, the Abomination’s remaining time in the franchise might be limited. In Marvel Comics, it was actually the Red Hulk who was responsible for the Abomination’s violent death. In the early days of the Red Hulk’s superhero career, before his identity was revealed as Thunderbolt Ross, he engaged in a brutal battle with the Abomination while on a mission in Russia. Abomination is beaten within an inch of his life and then shot to death by the Red Hulk, with a later story explaining that Ross had killed Blonsky in retaliation for the death of his daughter, Betty.
In the MCU, Abomination redeemed himself after The Incredible Hulk, choosing to walk a less villainous path. However, he still remains a powerful gamma-radiated super soldier, whose origin is tied closer to Ross than he would like. Upon becoming President of the United States in New World Order, Ross would certainly be uncomfortable having someone out there who knows what he has done in his personal war with the Hulk. Eliminating the Abomination might be one of President Ross’s first actions upon gaining the power to do so. As the Red Hulk, Ross could preserve his successful political career and reputation from any unwanted revelations about his past.
How Killing Abomination Makes Red Hulk Better
By killing the Abomination, one of the MCU’s most powerful characters, the Red Hulk immediately establishes himself as a true threat. Just as Thanos killing Loki in the opening scene of Avengers: Infinity War set up the Mad Titan as a fearsome enemy for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, the Red Hulk’s murder of Abomination would prove just how powerful he is. In a franchise rapidly expanding its number of different Hulk characters, the Red Hulk truly must stand above the rest. If he immediately proves himself capable of killing one of the Hulk’s strongest enemies, the Red Hulk would ensure that he is remembered as the dangerous villain he should be.
Moreover, Abomination’s starkly different characterization in She-Hulk has taken away much of the fear previously associated with the villain, leaning too far into comedy for a character who was once a massive threat. However, by having the Red Hulk kill Abomination in his first appearance, the MCU can redirect the controversy surrounding the returning Incredible Hulk character. Not only would the Red Hulk be establishing himself as a threat, but the Abomination would have one last opportunity to show his true power, putting up a fight before eventually falling in battle. In setting up one of its most exciting villains, the MCU would be redeeming one of its greatest failures.
The Red Hulk Is A Better Villain Than The Abomination
Ultimately, the potential that the Red Hulk possesses in the MCU’s future makes him a far better villain than the Abomination could ever be. The MCU’s Abomination was rather one-note from the beginning, with little else going on other than wanting to fight and kill the Hulk. Thunderbolt Ross, however, has become far more integral to the franchise over the years, especially after beginning his political career. Now set up to become the President of the United States, Sam Wilson and the other Avengers face a threat at the very top of their nation’s government, making for a complicated and unique battle in New World Order.
Furthermore, Thunderbolt Ross has a better chance of having an effect on other MCU titles beyond New World Order than Blonsky does. Several theories already contend that the Red Hulk will be involved in Thunderbolts, which just so happens to come out only two months after New World Order. And, as President, Thunderbolt Ross can have a massive impact on future Marvel titles, whereas Emil Blonsky has very limited chances of appearing in any projects unrelated to the Hulk. Therefore, exchanging the Abomination for the Red Hulk as the MCU’s signature Hulk villain after Captain America: New World Order simply makes sense for the good of the franchise.
