Avengers: Infinity War featured the MCU return of Red Skull, with concept art now showing a fiery look for the character. Red Skull made his Marvel film debut in Captain America: The First Avenger, where he faced off against Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. Initially portrayed by Hugo Weaving, Red Skull/Johann Schmidt leads Hydra, but is eventually stopped by Captain America. Many left the film assuming Red Skull was dead and would not appear in future MCU movies.

However, fans were shocked when the character returned in Avengers: Infinity War as the guardian of the Soul Stone on Vormir. Red Skull encounters Thanos and Gamora in that movie, informing Thanos he must sacrifice someone he loves in order to retrieve the Stone. Thanos throws Gamora over the cliff, and that's the last audiences see of Red Skull in that movie. However, he returns in Avengers: Endgame, playing a similar role there. In that case, he tells Black Widow and Hawkeye that they must make the same choice, leading to their heartbreaking fight over who will be the one to make the sacrifice.

Related: Why Marvel's Red Skull Could Never Get The Soul Stone

As Red Skull plays a fairly pivotal role in both of the last two Avengers movies, it makes sense Marvel wanted to get his appearance on Vormir exactly right. Artists have already shared several different versions of concept art for Red Skull, including ones where he looks more like a wraith or ghost. Now, concept illustrator Rodney Fuentebella shares concept art where Red Skull has a fiery appearance. In his caption, Fuentebella explained this particular take was meant to show "the Soul Stone controlling and splitting his soul apart." Check it out below:

As of now, Red Skull's appearance in future MCU films is very much up in the air. Avengers: Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo have revealed Red Skull was free to leave Vormir after the events of Avengers: Infinity War, even going so far as to say he's "also free to pursue his desire for an Infinity Stone." Ross Marquand, who took over as Red Skull for the last two films, has also said he thinks a return is possible. Not only have fans not seen Red Skull's departure from Vormir, they also haven't witnessed Captain America encountering the villain again when he went to return the Soul Stone. Though it seems unlikely that particular moment will be shown in the future, it's still very interesting to imagine.

Though fans have already seen several pieces of concept art for Red Skull, this particular image is different. Past concepts haven't focused much on the impact guarding the Soul Stone has on Red Skull. The fiery aspect of it is also reminiscent of another Marvel character, Ghost Rider, who has yet to appear in the MCU. Hopefully, Avengers: Infinity War fans enjoy this take on a classic Marvel villain.

More: How Red Skull Knew About The Soul Stone And Its Rules

Source: Rodney Fuentebella