A new piece of Avengers: Infinity War concept art reveals a different design for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Red Skull. The character was last seen in Avengers: Endgame on the planet Vormir, where Natasha and Clint traveled to retrieve the Soul Stone. Unfortunately, acquiring the stone came at a price, leading to Black Widow’s death.
Red Skull is one of Captain America’s most infamous rogues, making his first appearance in the comics in 1941. In 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, the character was played by Hugo Weaving. His portrayal was met with a positive reception from fans and the actor was open to returning to the role, despite the heavy prosthetic work he had to endure for the part. However, when Weaving was asked to appear in both Infinity War and Endgame, contract negotiations unfortunately fell through. As a result, actor and impressionist Ross Marquand was asked to slip into the Red Skull role.
In a new piece of concept art by Constantine Sekeris, the Red Skull is given an alternative design for his appearance in Avengers: Infinity War. The image reveals a more weathered, grotesque design for the character, his clothes ripped to shreds and his features more pronounced and gangly. The full image is below.
Following his appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger, fans wondered if the character would make a return in future sequels. Though it was heavily rumored that Robert Redford’s Alexander Pierce from Captain America: The Winter Soldier would be revealed to be the Red Skull in disguise, that theory was quickly dispelled once the film hit theaters. The character finally made his return in Infinity War, where he was the protector of the Soul Stone on the planet Vormir and crossed paths with Thanos. His character would also return in Endgame, where he interacted with Hawkeye and Black Widow during their time heist. However, there was also a point in time when writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely considered having Red Skull team up with Captain America in the concluding chapter of the Infinity Saga.
The Red Skull making a surprise appearance in Infinity War was a welcomed treat. The character was rich with potential after making his debut and tying him into the concluding chapters of the Infinity Saga was an inspired choice. The design that is used in the film is creepy and effective, portraying the character in an entirely different light that suits his new role as protector of the Soul Stone. However, it’s always fascinating to see alternative designs for characters such as Red Skull and this one is no exception. In fact, it’s not the only piece of Red Skull concept art that has seen the light of day. Though this version would have been effective in showing the physical toll his new role has taken on him, the design used in the final film is a far better choice. Regardless of how fans may feel about this alternate design, they can still enjoy the villain’s return in Avengers: Infinity War.
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