WILD AND BRUTAL, that’s how Harrison Ford describes his RED HULK. He also confirmed that RED HULK will return in Thunderbolts* this coming May. This could also be the last time we see Harrison Ford in this role due to health reasons.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is no stranger to bold transformations, but Harrison Ford’s recent turn as Red Hulk in *Captain America: Brave New World* has taken the franchise to new heights of ferocity. In a candid interview with *Empire Magazine* in late 2024, Ford described his portrayal of the crimson rage monster as “wild and brutal,” a characterization that has fans buzzing with excitement. The veteran actor, now 82, stepped into the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross following the passing of William Hurt, bringing a fresh intensity to the character that erupted onto screens in February 2025. But the real bombshell came when Ford confirmed that Red Hulk will smash his way back into the MCU in *Thunderbolts**, set to release on May 2, 2025. Yet, whispers of Ford’s health concerns have sparked speculation that this could be his final outing as the fiery behemoth, leaving audiences to wonder about the future of this iconic role.
Ford’s Red Hulk made his explosive debut in *Captain America: Brave New World*, a film that pitted Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson against a transformed President Ross. Directed by Julius Onah, the movie showcased Ford’s motion-capture performance as a “mind-blowing” spectacle, with Onah himself noting on X in December 2024 that the set was left in awe, exclaiming, “Holy f***ing s**t, he nailed it.” Unlike Bruce Banner’s green Hulk, Red Hulk is a tactically sharp, heat-emitting juggernaut, and Ford leaned into the role with a vigor that belied his age. Posts on X from fans and insiders alike praised the return to a “rage monster” who “just f***ing breaks s**t,” a stark contrast to the more subdued Hulks of recent years. Ford, however, downplayed the complexity of the gig, telling *Cosmic Marvel* in December 2024, “It didn’t seem to me to be a terribly difficult acting proposition.” For him, it was about embracing the chaos—a sentiment echoed in his *IGN* quip from San Diego Comic-Con 2024: “It took not caring… it took being an idiot for money, which I’ve done before.”
The announcement of Red Hulk’s return in *Thunderbolts** has only amplified the hype. Slated for May 2025, the film assembles a ragtag crew of antiheroes—including Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and David Harbour’s Red Guardian—under the shadowy guidance of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Ford’s confirmation, shared in his *Empire* interview, suggests Red Hulk will play a pivotal role, possibly clashing with or commanding this volatile squad. In the comics, Ross famously led a version of the Thunderbolts, and while Kevin Feige once hinted Ross wouldn’t feature in this iteration, Ford’s involvement points to a narrative twist. Could Red Hulk’s “wild and brutal” nature make him the team’s enforcer, or even its ultimate adversary? The asterisk in the title remains a mystery, but Ford’s presence promises a seismic impact.
Yet, beneath the excitement lies a bittersweet note. Rumors swirling on X and fan forums suggest that *Thunderbolts** might mark Ford’s swan song as Red Hulk, driven by unspecified health concerns. At 82, Ford has already defied expectations by donning a motion-capture suit for two grueling MCU projects, a feat he described to *Variety* in July 2024 as “fun” but physically taxing. His storied career—from Han Solo to Indiana Jones—has seen him tackle demanding roles, but the physicality of Red Hulk, even with CGI assistance, is a different beast. Posts on X in early 2025 speculated about his stamina, with some citing his blunt *HuffPost UK* admission in February 2025 that filming *Brave New World* had its “tough days.” While Ford remains coy, telling *Culture Crave* in December 2024, “I’m awaiting my new assignment,” the uncertainty has left fans cherishing what could be his final roar.
The MCU’s Phase 5 is hurtling toward its climax with *Avengers: Doomsday* in 2026, where Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom will face off against a multiversal lineup. Red Hulk’s arc could bridge *Thunderbolts** to this epic, especially if his multiversal ties—hinted at in leaked *Brave New World* concept art—come into play. Ford’s Red Hulk brings a raw, untamed energy that contrasts with Downey’s cerebral villainy, setting the stage for a clash of titans. But if health sidelines him, the MCU faces the challenge of recasting or retiring a character just as he’s hitting his stride. Ford’s own words to *Empire*—“I think it will be fascinating to see where that character goes, if he goes anywhere”—carry a wistful edge, hinting at both possibility and closure.
As *Thunderbolts** approaches, Ford’s Red Hulk stands as a testament to his enduring grit. His “wild and brutal” take has reinvigorated the Hulk legacy, delivering a visceral thrill that fans crave. Whether tearing through enemies or grappling with his own monstrous nature, Ford has left an indelible mark. If May 2025 truly is his last rampage, it’ll be a fittingly ferocious farewell for a legend who, even at 82, refuses to go quietly. For now, the MCU faithful can only brace themselves for Red Hulk’s next outburst—and hope the curtain doesn’t fall too soon.
