Editor’s Note: This article contains spoilers for Captain America: Brave New World.
One of the most significant transformations inCaptain America: Brave New Worldis that of President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford) into the monstrous Red Hulk, the climactic moment of the film that sets up the David vs. Goliath showdown between the giant andAnthony Mackie’sSam Wilson. However, unlike previous Hulk iterations, this version of Ross does not speak — a creative decision that directorJulius Onahsays was a point of debate behind the scenes, as he explained to Collider’sSteve Weintraub.
“Whether or notRed Hulkshould talk, that was something that came up quite a bit,” Onah told Collider. “My feeling was that he shouldn’t, which is what is the case in the movie.” According to Onah, the decision was tied to Ross’ internal conflict and his resistance to the rage-fueled persona he has become. He told Collider:
“The transformation that Ross is dealing with and the struggle that Ross is dealing with emotionally in this film is trying to move away from what he’s been known as, as Thunderbolt Ross. The moment you gave him language as a Hulk, then people can talk to each other, and you’re moving away from pure id to a more rational being. It was the same way Harrison felt.”
While some fans might have expected Red Hulk to have a more vocal presence, Onah believes the choice ultimately made for a more compelling arc. “That speaks to a guy and how great of collaborators everybody at Marvel is. They respected that, and that’s what we got in the movie.”
The Hulk’s Ability To Converse Was Earned
Weintraub noted thatMark Ruffalo’s Bruce Bannerhad learned over time to merge his consciousness with that of The Hulk. When Banner was played byEdward Nortonin 2008’sThe Incredible Hulk, he was already used to transforming, so we never got to see Banner teach himself how to speak. It’s fair to assume thatBrave New World’spresentation of a more primal and terrifying version of the character also showed us one that has very rarely turned into a Hulk, hence the lack of ability to converse, or even grunt. Perhaps, over time, we’ll see the former President Rosstrained by Bannerto harness his abilities and help the Avengers, who will soon need all the assistance they can get.
Captain America: Brave New Worldis now playing in theaters all around the world.
Captain America: Brave New World
