Hot off the heels of New York Comic Con, Hasbro is bringing Marvel fans another wave of collectibles—but if you were hoping for an impeccable resemblance to the stars of Captain America: Brave New World, brace yourself for a mixed bag. This latest Marvel Legends release introduces three key figures: Anthony Mackie’s newly minted Captain America, Harrison Ford’s General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross as Red Hulk, and the all-new Falcon, Joaquin Torres, played by Danny Ramirez. The trio promises to add some fresh flair to your shelves, though the execution might leave you raising an eyebrow or two.
Leading the charge (and perhaps the most perplexing) is Red Hulk, supposedly capturing Harrison Ford’s transformation into Ross’ alter ego. Yet, it appears Hasbro might’ve skimped on the sculpt. What we’re left with is a toy that looks more like a repainted Mark Ruffalo, featuring some questionable stubbly chest hair—Ford’s hardened visage, it seems, has been swapped out for a generic Hulkified glare. One might think Hasbro, having the rights to one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, would aim for a closer resemblance. Perhaps they thought fans wouldn’t notice, but Ford’s unmistakable grimace is suspiciously absent.
Then, there’s Sam Wilson’s Captain America. A more faithful attempt, this figure is armed with a sleek new helmet and foldable wings that allow for a cocoon-like defensive pose, adding a touch of versatility to the collectible. It’s a neat homage to Anthony Mackie’s portrayal, highlighting the more streamlined, tactical look of Cap’s latest suit. Wilson’s ascension to Captain America is complete with this impressive figure, though it’s unclear whether Hasbro’s rendition does full justice to the sharp lines and bold colors of his costume on screen. Still, for those looking to mark this new chapter in the Captain America saga, it might be a worthy addition.
But perhaps the most anticipated (and contentious) figure here is Joaquin Torres’ Falcon. Danny Ramirez’s rendition takes the spotlight, offering fans their best glimpse yet at the MCU’s new avian hero. But here’s the twist: Torres’ flight suit is strikingly similar to the Vulture’s from Spider-Man: Homecoming. Using a green and brown color scheme reminiscent of Adrian Toomes, Torres’ Falcon leans more toward military chic than superhero flamboyance. He’s got a beaked helmet that harks back to 1970s anime (a Gatchaman throwback, anyone?), but with a polish that the DIY aesthetic of the original Vulture lacked. Is this intentional homage, or is Marvel stuck in a loop with its green-winged characters? Maybe both. And can we get a live-action Sauron, finally?
For those who remember Torres’ introduction in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the character’s backstory deviates from his comic book roots. Gone is the genetically altered backstory, courtesy of Dr. Karl Malus, leaving us with a more sanitized version of Torres who’s essentially a flying tech wizard. Hasbro even brings back Redwing, the reconnaissance drone Torres inherited from Wilson. Despite the high-tech accessories, some fans might feel that the figure’s muted palette and more grounded wingspan don’t quite capture the bold spirit of this new Falcon. Instead, they lean into a style more fitting for government issue than superhero spandex.
As fans prepare for Captain America: Brave New World, these figures are a sneak peek—flawed, nostalgic, and perhaps just a little bit of a letdown. So, are we staring at a perfect likeness of Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk, or did Hasbro take the easy route? Feel free to vent your thoughts in the comments. Just don’t expect this wave of figures to offer an unflinching glimpse of the MCU’s new era. It seems that, in this case, what you see might not be quite what you get.