Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are buzzing with excitement as the origins of President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, also known as Red Hulk, are unveiled in Captain America 4: Brave New World. While comic lore offers some insights, the new film promises to explore his transformation in depth. Additionally, audiences are eager to discover the fate of The Leader since his last appearance in The Incredible Hulk.
Let’s dive into the captivating details surrounding the Leader’s journey and the origins of Red Hulk.
The Transformation of Thunderbolt Ross into Red Hulk in Captain America 4
As death looms closer, Thunderbolt Ross (Harrison Ford) seeks help from Samuel Sterns, also known as The Leader. In his quest to prolong his life and ascend to the presidency, Ross offers Sterns freedom in return for his assistance. However, Sterns provides mysterious tablets that come with hidden consequences.
When Ross fails to honor his promise and keeps Sterns imprisoned, it becomes clear that Sterns has ulterior motives. While he initially appears to save Ross with life-extending tablets, he secretly exposes him to gamma radiation, triggering Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk.
Using his intellect from within the confines of his prison, Sterns orchestrates an assassination plot against Isiah Bradley to provoke the emergence of the Red Hulk. However, his scheme is thwarted by Sam Wilson’s intervention. Nevertheless, Ross unleashes his red, monstrous energy during a public White House Q&A, shocking the nation.
The Leader’s Journey Since The Incredible Hulk in the MCU
In addition to revealing the origins of Red Hulk, Captain America 4 uncovers the circumstances of Samuel Sterns’ captivity since the events of The Incredible Hulk.
Thaddeus Ross strategically places all blame on Sterns for the Abomination’s destructive rampage. This manipulation allows Sterns, in his role as The Leader, to harness impressive intellectual powers, albeit at the cost of his physical appearance due to continued exposure to gamma radiation.
Though Ross never delivers on his promise of freedom, Sterns becomes adept at predicting outcomes and assists the military in various capacities. In a twist of fate, he ensures that Ross experiences the repercussions of his actions in Captain America: Brave New World. The secret transformation of Ross into Red Hulk becomes public knowledge, leading to both Sterns and Ross facing justice for their misdeeds.
