8 Things Red Hulk Can Do That Bruce Banner Can't

Key takeaways

• The Red Hulk has unique abilities: conscious transformation, retains intelligence, and absorbs energy.
• The Red Hulk can transform at will, stay smart, and absorb energy, giving him tactical advantages in combat.
• The Red Hulk can take on cosmic threats, absorb energy in explosions, and command an army.

Red Hulk is ready to make his own Marvel Cinematic Universe Debut in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. Fans got a glimpse of the crimson-hulking monster in the first trailer for the 2025 release movie after years of speculation that the character would make his silver screen debut.

Many characters in Marvel Comics Donated Titled Red Hulk, But first and most famous, Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. Appeared in character MCU But first his alter ego would be the Red Hulk Captain America: Brave New World. The Red Hulk has similar powers and abilities as the green version of Bruce Banner, but there are some key differences in their power set.

Some versions of Bruce Banner's Hulk share some abilities with the Red Hulk. This list refers to the standard version of the character, with abilities often associated with Bruce Banner's Hulk.

Updated by Ben Painter on November 12, 2024: With Captain America: Brave New World right around the corner, the latest trailer gives fans a little more taste of Harrison Ford's Red Hulk. Fans have long requested the character make an appearance since Thunderbolt Ross' debut incredible hulk, And MCU diehards are finally getting their wish. Although the Red Hulk and his original green counterpart have a similar powerset, there are some differences that fans may see on the silver screen for the first time. This update adds two more things that Red Hulk can do that Bruce Banner can't.

8 conscious transformation

Thunderbolt Ross can transform into the Red Hulk at will

Unlike Bruce Banner, who becomes the Hulk when enraged (sometimes against his will), Ross can transform into the Red Hulk as and when he chooses. Even if he is knocked out, he will remain in the Red Hulk state until he regains consciousness and de-powers.

This gives him a great strategic advantage over his opponents, as he can use it to his advantage. There's no telling if this element of Red Hulk will make the jump to the MCU. The trailer suggests that he's basically out of control like the Hulk, but this could be a red herring to trick audiences before the movie's release.

7 Maintain intelligence

Red Hulk is as smart as Ross

Most versions of the Green Hulk do not possess the high level of intelligence that Bruce Banner is known for, acting much more like a child – a child with immense speed, strength, and durability.

Red Hulk, on the other hand, is a different beast in that General Ross' alter ego remains as smart as he is. This gives him a huge upper hand in combat scenarios, as he can use his powers more cleverly. Combining this with his ability to transform at will, Red Hulk's abilities are more of a tool than a curse to Banner.

6 Energy absorption

Red Hulk can absorb large amounts of energy

The biggest change in Red Hulk's powers compared to the original is the fact that he can absorb large amounts of energy, which most versions of Banner's 'The Other Guy' can't.

This is linked to the gamma radiation experiment that turned Ras into this monster. He has shown in the comics that he can absorb a lot of energy and favors the cosmic variety. He also absorbed the Silver Surfer's power, took command of his surfboard, and absorbed the Odinforce, easily defeating King Odin of Asgard. However, if the Red Hulk takes too much gamma radiation, then he is unable to return to his human form.

5 Absorb the Hulk's gamma

This makes the fight between them one sided

Ross' hatred of the Hulk spans decades in the comics. It eventually became a matter of trying to destroy a Hulk in order to stay one step ahead of his enemy.

But due to Red Hulk's ability to absorb energy and radiation, the fight between them is not always an even match. This, of course, stems from the Hulk's gamma radiation which gave him his powers. The Red Hulk can absorb this radiation, which weakens the Hulk in their battles. It is unclear if Bruce Banner will appear Captain America: Brave New WorldSo fans may have to wait for some time for this epic clash in cinemas.

4 Heat rise

The angrier he gets, the hotter he gets

When the Hulk is angry and angry, he becomes stronger and wilder. There seems to be no limit to how powerful a banner can get while enraged.

Red Hulk's temper increases his rage, causing him some problems. If his head gets too hot, he passes out, because his body just can't handle the heat level. He has shown in the comics that sand can be hot enough to instantly turn to glass.

3 explosion

Red Hulk can project the energy he absorbs

When the Red Hulk absorbs large amounts of gamma radiation, he can project it back in an explosion, leaving very little left if it is hit with destructive energy – something Bruce Banner has not been shown to be capable of, as their powers work differently. Green Hulk emits gamma radiation, while Red Hulk absorbs it.

It is similar to a nuclear bomb of enormous power, the explosion looks very similar and of course leaves a trace of gamma radiation afterwards. A crazy, but dangerous force that takes a lot from Thaddeus Ross, something fans can see in Red Hulk's debut in the MCU.

2 Command A Military

Being a general has its perks

Thaddeus Ross debuted in Incredible Hulk #1 in 1962 as a Lieutenant General in the US Air Force and sworn enemy of the Hulk – he would stop at nothing to kill the Hulk. Secretly, he became the Red Hulk in 2008 in a desperate attempt to go toe-to-toe with Bruce Banner.

Rather than being a scientist, Ross is a military leader with an entire army at his disposal, certainly more so than the Hulk. Even without his powers, Ross is a formidable foe with soldiers, guns, tanks, jets, and more to throw at Banner against the Incredible Hulk — or anyone in his path.

1 Take on cosmic threats

The Red Hulk has defeated some formidable foes

Red Hulk's ability to absorb energy is infinite and has taken on the Odinforce and the Power Cosmic in the comics, two powerful forces. miracle. This gives him an edge over Banner as it gives him the much needed power to take on some powerful threats.

Ross was once the Uatu of the Watchers, a group of cosmic beings who watch over the universe, but never interfere. Although they sometimes have to. Not many took to the Watcher as such and the regular version of the Hulk could never come close.