Unlike the green Hulk, the Red Hulk is more than just a raging powerhouse; he retains much of his human personality. Introducing the Red Hulk in a movie where the protagonist is a non-powered human being with a wingsuit and Vibranium shield, can be quite problematic.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Nate Moore (Producer of Captain America: Brave New World) breaks down the process of turning Harisson Ford into the red-ball-of-anger, Red Hulk.
Harrison Ford approached Marvel Studios for the role
Ford’s casting as Ross came as a surprise to many, including producer Nate Moore. The veteran actor, known for his roles in Indiana Jones and Star Wars, reached out to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, expressing interest in joining the MCU. For Ford, the role was an opportunity to honor the late William Hurt’s portrayal while exploring the complexities of Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk.
“We didn’t assume anybody would be game,” Moore admitted. Yet, Ford saw potential in the character’s arc, particularly the journey from a man of authority to a physically imposing, volatile creature struggling to retain his humanity.
Related: The Complete Cast of Captain America Brave New World
“The Red Hulk in the comics is not entirely a monster,” Ryan Meinerding, Marvel Studios’ head of visual development, explained to Entertainment Weekly. Turning a Hulk-hunting general into a Hulk himself added depth, making him both an antagonist and a tragic figure, someone battling his own demons while wreaking havoc.
Harrison Ford’s All-In Approach to Motion Capture
Creating Red Hulk involved much more than simply turning the green Hulk red. According to Meinerding and Dan Cox, visual effects supervisor at Weta, the team focused on making Red Hulk distinct in every way—from his silhouette and physique to his posture and expressions.
“Julius [Onah, the film’s director] wanted him to feel more tactical than the green Hulk,” Cox explained. Drawing inspiration from a bear’s aggressive movements, they designed Red Hulk to be methodical and militaristic, reflecting Ross’s military background.
To further differentiate the character, the team incorporated elements of Ford’s likeness into the design. “He’s got one of the most identifiable faces in cinema history,” Meinerding said. Ford’s eyes, nose, and mouth were digitally scanned to ensure the Hulk retained Ross’s personality even in his monstrous form.
At 82 years old, Ford threw himself into the physical demands of portraying Red Hulk. On the set, he donned a motion-capture suit and even performed some of his own stunts. Cox recalled one particular moment when Ford insisted on performing a landing sequence multiple times.
“He was all in,” Cox shared. “The last thing you want is to be the person that hurts Harrison Ford. But he gave it everything.”
The Climax Fight has over 300 VFX shots
Ford’s dedication shines in the climactic third-act battle between Red Hulk and Sam Wilson’s Captain America (Anthony Mackie). The fight spans multiple environments, requiring careful choreography and over 300 VFX shots. Equipped with a Wakandan vibranium wingsuit and his trusty shield, Sam faces the formidable Red Hulk in a sequence that highlights the sheer power and tactical nature of Ross’s monstrous alter ego.
“We had to choreograph the fight to show Sam using his shield and wings like extra limbs,” Cox explained, emphasizing how the character’s survival depends on his ability to evade Red Hulk’s devastating blows.
Captain America: Brave New World is the first MCU movie to come in 2025. The movie will hit theatres on February 14.