Captain America: Brave New World's Unique Color Palette
In "Captain America: Brave New World," director Julius Onah tasked his team with minimizing the use of red, despite the film's villain being Red Hulk (Harrison Ford).
Cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau explains that this strategy aimed to enhance Red Hulk's impact when appearing on screen. The production design, costume design, and color palette adhered to this directive, with blue representing tranquility and red representing chaos and Hulk's uncontrollable nature.
Production designer Ramsey Avery, who previously worked on "10 Cloverfield Lane" with a similar color limitation, admits it was challenging to avoid red in a world filled with it. However, the team used it strategically to foreshadow and heighten Ross' transformation into Red Hulk. For example, Ross' tie is blue and red at the start, and hints of red are used sparingly throughout the film until its full display during Red Hulk's reveal.
Ross' experiments with gamma radiation are reflected in the shift towards red in the lab where Red Hulk is created. Red lights flash as Sterns' goons confront Captain America, tying in with the radiation and loss of control.
When Red Hulk is finally unveiled, the team embraces red boldly. Captain America's new suit is revealed in vibrant red, white, and blue with vibranium wings. According to Morgenthau, "When you see Red Hulk, it's the big payoff."