Thunderbolt Ross

For the character's portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, see Thaddeus Ross (Marvel Cinematic Universe).

General Thaddeus E. "Thunderbolt" Ross is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics, mainly comics about the Hulk.

Thunderbolt Ross
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	The Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962) As Red Hulk: Hulk #1 (January 2008)
Created by	Thunderbolt Ross: Stan Lee (writer) Jack Kirby (artist) Red Hulk: Jeph Loeb (writer) Ed McGuinness (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Thaddeus E. "Thunderbolt" Ross
Species	Human mutate
Team affiliations	Hulkbusters United States Army Air Corp United States Air Force President of the United States Federal Government of the United States Offenders Avengers Thunderbolts Power Elite Control
Notable aliases	General Ross, Red Hulk, Rulk, The Thing (Future Imperfect)
Abilities	As Thunderbolt Ross: Expert military leader, strategist, and tactician Access to many soldiers, armies, conventional, and unconventional weapons As Red Hulk: Immeasurable strength, stamina, durability, and speed Healing factor Energy absorption Limited thermokinesis

Fictional character biography

Ross is a United States military officer, the father of Betty Ross, and the ex-father-in-law of both Glenn Talbot and Bruce Banner.

Ross is known for being against the Hulk and for being powerful in the military. Ross was transformed into the first Red Hulk to fight the Hulk.

In other media

Ross was played by Sam Elliott in the movie Hulk (2003). In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the character is played by William Hurt (2008–2021) and Harrison Ford (2025–present).