Did Captain America: Brave New World‘s ending deliver a decisive moment between Sam Wilson and the Red Hulk? As tensions peaked in Brave New World, Sam Wilson confronted President Thaddeus Ross in his monstrous Red Hulk form, with Samuel Sterns pulling the strings from the shadows. The film’s conclusion leaves fans with plenty to discuss and hints at what’s next for the MCU.
Let’s break down Red Hulk’s fate, The Leader’s role, and what Captain America 4: Brave New World’s ending means for the future of the MCU.
How does Captain America defeat the Red Hulk at the end of Brave New World?
With Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) facing the Red Hulk (Harrison Ford) in the wrecked streets of Washington, D.C., Red Hulk charges at Sam to deliver a final blow.
Sam uses his vibranium wing to generate a blast, sending both crashing into rubble. As Ruth (Shira Haas) and Agent Taylor (Xosha Roquemore) rescue Sam, Red Hulk emerges. Despite their urge to flee, Sam walks toward him, pleading with Ross’s human side, reminding him of his efforts to change and his daughter Betty (Liv Tyler).
At first, Red Hulk resists, but a cherry blossom petal falling from the sky triggers Ross’s humanity, reverting him to his human form.
In the aftermath, America begins rebuilding. Ross accepts accountability for his actions, resigns as President, and is imprisoned at The Raft. Sam visits him there, assuring Ross that America is moving forward under the Ozaki-Ross Accords, which oversee the distribution of adamantium from Celestial Island. Before leaving, Sam introduces Ross to Betty, and they share a heartfelt reunion.
Sam visits Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) at Walter Reed Hospital. On his way, he sees Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) heading to an NBA game with Ruth. Sam and Joaquin bond over their struggles in their new roles. The scene ends with “i” by Kendrick Lamar playing over the credits.
Does the Leader die in Captain America 4: Brave New World?
No, Samuel Sterns, also known as The Leader, survives.
Sterns reveals himself as the mastermind behind Ross’s transformation, using altered medication to exploit Ross’s ambition and tarnish his legacy. After his capture and imprisonment at The Raft, a post-credits scene shows Sterns alluding to alternate realities, teasing multiversal conflicts in Phase Six, including Avengers: Doomsday and the introduction of Doctor Doom.
Sterns’s survival and cryptic warning cement him as a formidable MCU antagonist, promising high-stakes clashes with Sam Wilson’s Captain America and the wider Marvel universe.
