Warning! This article contains major spoilers for Captain America: Brave New World.It’s no secret that Sam Wilson fights the Red Hulk inCaptain America: Brave New World, but that makes the absence of anotherMCUHulk character even more obvious. While trying to come to terms with being the new Captain America, Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson is thrust into the middle of an international incident involving the new President of the United States, Thaddeus Ross.Harrison Ford took over the characterfrom the late William Hurt, and this is his first project in a while where he plays a major role.
Ross has always been in an opposition role to the Avengers, andBrave New Worldis no different. He and Sam clash on his various political decisions, but the fight escalates to something much more intense. After getting poisoned with gamma by Samuel Sterns,Ross turns into the Red Hulk. The MCU has introduced other Hulk variations before, but Bruce Banner will always be the original. Bruce is mentioned several times in the film, but Mark Ruffalo’s character is nowhere to be seen. Though questionable, his absence ultimately makes sense.
What Mark Ruffalo Has Said About Being In Captain America: Brave New World
Marvel fans initially believed that Ruffalo would be reprising his role as Bruce’s Hulk inBrave New Worldbecause the actor seemingly confirmed his appearance. During theSanta Barbara International Film Festivalin 2024,Ruffalo was asked if he would be inCaptain America: Brave New World, to which the actor answered, “Yeah.”Panel moderator Anne Thompson asked if he was allowed to talk about it, and Ruffalo replied, “Yeah, it’s going to be great!” Considering the Hulk references inBrave New World, it was a reasonable assumption to believe.
However, it all turned out to be a misunderstanding. Multiple sources confirmed thatRuffalo misheard the question at the panel, thinking that he was being asked about the MCU’s upcoming slate. He replied yes toCaptain America: Brave New Worldbeing an upcoming release. Ruffalo has become known for his Marvel PR blunders, from accidentally live-streaming a portion ofThor: Ragnarokto spoiling various plot points in interviews. While his absence is a letdown for some fans, it is a classic Ruffalo moment that isn’t surprising anymore.
Why Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk Isn’t In Captain America: Brave New World Explained
Ross has a complex relationship with Bruce Banner, and other classic characters fromThe Incredible Hulklike Betty Ross and Samuel Sternseven appeared inCaptain America 4. But, while Bruce is referenced by Ross several times, some may question why Ruffalo didn’t appear in the film. His absence ultimately made sense to the story thatBrave New Worldwas trying to tell.The film was a political thriller, above all else, and while Ross was a major character, he was ultimately trying to distance himself from his past actions.
Every MCU Cameo In Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America: Brave New World includes cameos from Marvel Cinematic Universe actors. Here, we break down who they are and what they mean.
Many assumed that Red Hulk would be a prominent part of the film, but it actually ended up being a side storyline that didn’t truly materialize until theend ofCaptain America: Brave New World. Ross is shown trying to suppress his rage, buthe only turns into the Red Hulk once for the final act. It would’ve been cool to see Ruffalo’s Hulk fighting Red Hulk, but the focus wasn’t meant to be on flashy action. Instead,Captain America: Brave New Worldwanted to focus on Ross’ internal struggle and his actual character, and Bruce Banner wouldn’t have fit into that narrative.
