So No Red Hulk? She-Hulk Made The Coolest Villain Theory Impossible

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law episode 8.

Jennifer Walters' sarcastic nod at Red Hulk in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law episode 8 makes the villain's MCU introduction in the finale highly unlikely. To the delight of many Marvel viewers, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law has brought Hulk's corner of the MCU back into the spotlight. But Jennifer Walters' transformation into She-Hulk, Hulk's potential trip back to Sakaar, and Abomination's return may have also raised expectations a bit too high.

General Thaddeus Ross, who had been portrayed by late actor William Hurt since 2008's The Incredible Hulk, is the man who turns into the Red Hulk in Marvel Comics. Sadly, Hurt's passing in early 2022 lowered the chances of ever seeing that transformation onscreen. However, a different MCU character could take his place as the Red Hulk, and whoever is in possession of She-Hulk's blood seemed to be the right candidate. While this possibility is technically still on the table, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law seems to be taking a different direction.

The She-Hulk: Attorney at Law episode 8 ending sets up the Intelligencia as the final antagonist that Jennifer Walters will have to face in order to wrap up her show. With only one episode left to achieve it, it's highly unlikely that the MCU will introduce Red Hulk and pit him against She-Hulk. Even Jennifer Walters herself poked fun at the idea of another Hulk appearing out of left field at the last second, saying "Ooh, there's another Hulk, but this one is red." As self-aware as She-Hulk is, she wouldn't spoil the final villain reveal so casually, much less mock him in advance.

Why Red Hulk Is Less Likely In The MCU Now

Hulk and She-Hulk in the MCU with Red Hulk in Marvel Comics

The Red Hulk's introduction needs a much stronger foundation than the one he currently has. Marvel Studios would have had to fast-track a General Ross recast for the She-Hulk: Attorney at Law finale, and introducing a brand-new character as Red Hulk for a single episode would be just as rushed. Even if William Hurt's General Ross is replaced for the MCU's upcoming Thunderbolts, the set-up is still paper-thin. Besides, Jennifer Walters' incredulity at the thought of a Red Hulk could be a sign that the concept simply isn't among Marvel Studios' plans at the moment.

Jennifer Walters' blood subplot throughout She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, plus the upcoming Thunderbolts and Tim Blake Nelson's villain role as The Leader in Captain America: New World Order work better as gradual set-ups for Red Hulk, who could have a bigger MCU role alongside Mark Ruffalo's Hulk. Hulk's trip to Sakaar and back to Earth would also align with the World War Hulk comic book storyline, where Hulk becomes angrier than ever before and fights it out with the Red Hulk when he returns. But for now, Red Hulk's failed introduction predictions in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law seem to have been debunked.

New episodes of She-Hulk release on Thursdays on Disney+.

Want more She-Hulk articles? Check out our essential content below...