Marvel’s political thriller, starring Harrison Ford and Anthony Mackie, is scheduled for release in 2025.

After much anticipation, Marvel Studios has finally pulled the curtain back on the Captain America: Brave New World trailer, igniting the spark for what looks to be an incredible addition to the Phase 5 lineup. With Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson soaring into the Captain America spotlight—a mantle handed down from Chris Evans’ beloved Steve Rogers—we’re thrust into a cinematic jamboree that has all the makings of a box office bonanza.

And of course, Harrison Ford is stepping into the shoes of late actor William Hurt as the formidable General Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross. But hold onto your hats, because the end of the trailer teases a crimson juggernaut that’s more than just a flash in the pan—Red Hulk himself barrels into the fray, promising a clash of titans that fans are chomping at the bit to witness.

Red Hulk Steals the Show in the First Trailer for Captain America: Brave New World

True, fans have been eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the next installment in the Captain America series, and Marvel Studios has not disappointed. The trailer for Julius Onah’s Captain America: Brave New World gives us our first look at the brave new world that our new Captain America, Sam Wilson, will be steering.

So, in this latest adventure, Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, is faced with a daunting proposition from President Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, portrayed by the legendary Harrison Ford. The idea of Captain America becoming a pawn in the military’s game does not sit well with Sam, as evidenced by the trailer, setting the stage for a clash of ideologies and morals.

And speaking of threats, the trailer teases the appearance of the formidable Red Hulk at the very end, which will undoubtedly get fans’ tongues wagging about what it implies for the film & the MCU, going forward.

With his immense strength, durability, and ability to generate intense heat, Red Hulk poses a serious obstacle to our new Captain America. This trailer validates the earlier leaks that suggested Ford’s Thaddeus Ross would eventually turn into a very big, very CGI monster (see IGN).

Let’s see what fans have to say:

But as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility, and Sam Wilson must rise to face this monstrous adversary.

Who Is Red Hulk? What About the Budget Woes of Captain America 4?

To begin with, Thaddeus Ross first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 and was later transformed into the Red Hulk using radiation taken from the Hulk. The first incarnation of Red Hulk appeared in Hulk #1. Created by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness, the character’s origin was revealed in Hulk #23.

The superhuman strength, endurance, and durability of Red Hulk allow him to lift 100 tons, and he can heal from severe wounds in a matter of minutes (via Marvel.com). The character delivers “intense heat” when he gets angry, & this heat is strong enough to melt through Spider-Man’s “webbing” and turn sand into glass.

Moreover, the already-impressive $275 million budget for a star-studded Captain America 4 soared to astronomical heights when industry titans Harrison Ford and Anthony Mackie returned for reshoots. According to insiders at World of Reel, Disney’s commitment to perfection saw them inject an additional $75 to $100 million. Consequently, the final budget is now estimated to reach the jaw-dropping $350-$375 million mark.

Also, the trailer revealed Giancarlo Esposito, who will portray an unidentified antagonist. Marvel Studios has not disclosed that role in the movie. However, there are rumors going around that the actor was cast to play George Washington ‘G. W.’ Bridge (CBR).

Anyway, despite the challenges faced during production, and with a budget soaring into the hundreds of millions, Captain America: Brave New World promises to be a spectacle like no other, a cinematic masterpiece that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.

Captain America: Brave New World will be released on February 14, 2025.