The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to captivate audiences with its ever-expanding roster of characters and stories, and the latest rumor swirling around Hollywood suggests that one of its newest additions, Red Hulk, may be getting his own standalone film. According to unconfirmed reports circulating on platforms like X and various entertainment outlets, the iconic Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, portrayed by legendary actor Harrison Ford, could headline a Red Hulk movie, potentially marking the 83-year-old star’s final performance on the big screen.

Harrison Ford made his MCU debut in Captain America: Brave New World, released in February 2025, stepping into the role of Thaddeus Ross, previously played by the late William Hurt. In the film, Ross, now the President of the United States, undergoes a dramatic transformation into Red Hulk, a rage-fueled, scarlet-skinned behemoth, courtesy of gamma radiation secretly administered through his medication. This revelation, while spoiled in the film’s marketing, was a highlight for fans, with Ford’s performance earning praise for its intensity and nuance. Director Julius Onah described Ford’s portrayal as “mind-blowing,” emphasizing the raw power of a Hulk who “just breaks shit” in a way that harkens back to the character’s monstrous roots. Ford himself, in interviews, took a characteristically nonchalant stance, calling the role “just another day at the office” and joking about the motion-capture process as “being an idiot for money.”

The rumor of a Red Hulk solo film gained traction following a post by industry scooper @MyTimeToShineHello on X, claiming Ford had signed on to reprise his role in an upcoming MCU project. While no specific details confirmed a standalone movie, speculation has pointed toward a potential World War Hulk adaptation, a long-rumored project based on the 2007 comic arc. With the MCU now boasting multiple Hulk-related characters—Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), She-Hulk (Tatiana Maslany), Skaar, and now Red Hulk—the stage seems set for a larger exploration of the Hulk mythos. A Red Hulk movie could delve into Ross’s complex duality as both a military titan and a tragic figure, grappling with the consequences of his transformation.

Ford’s potential return as Red Hulk has sparked excitement, particularly given his comments about wanting to explore the character’s depth beyond his hulking form. At a press conference for Captain America: Brave New World, Ford expressed hope that Ross could “develop into something other than the Red Hulk,” hinting at a desire for a story that balances his humanity with his monstrous alter ego. This sentiment aligns with the MCU’s take on Ross, which deviates from the comics by removing elements like the death of his daughter, Betty, and focusing instead on his political ambitions and moral conflicts. The narrative could explore Ross’s incarceration in the Raft at the end of Brave New World, his struggle to control his powers, or even a confrontation with Bruce Banner’s Hulk, a fan-favorite prospect.

The rumor also carries bittersweet weight, as sources suggest this could be Ford’s final acting role. Known for iconic characters like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, Ford has a storied career spanning decades. His decision to join the MCU surprised many, given his past reluctance to revisit franchise roles. However, Ford has spoken positively about his experience, citing the fun of working in Marvel’s “imaginative reality” and his respect for William Hurt’s foundational work as Ross. His casting was a personal choice, as Ford reached out to Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to express interest in the role after Hurt’s passing in 2022.

While Marvel Studios has yet to confirm a Red Hulk movie, the speculation aligns with the MCU’s Phase Five and Six plans, which include Thunderbolts (May 2025) and Avengers: Doomsday (May 2026). Though Kevin Feige previously stated Ross would not appear in Thunderbolts, a cameo or larger role in Avengers: Doomsday remains plausible, given the film’s ensemble nature. Alternatively, a World War Hulk project could serve as a climactic send-off for Ford, pitting Red Hulk against other gamma-powered characters in a high-stakes conflict.

Fans are divided on the rumor. Some express enthusiasm for a Red Hulk film, citing Ford’s charisma and the character’s potential for a darker, more tragic arc. Others question whether a standalone movie would fit within the MCU’s crowded slate or if Ford, at 83, would take on another physically demanding role. Regardless, the prospect of Ford bowing out as Red Hulk has generated buzz, with fans eager to see how Marvel might honor his legacy. Until official confirmation arrives, the rumor remains just that—a tantalizing possibility in the MCU’s ever-evolving universe.