Harrison Ford shares his thoughts on Thunderbolt Ross’MCUrecasting inCaptain America: Brave New Worldfollowing William Hurt’s passing. William Hurt played Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross inThe Incredible Hulk,Captain America: Civil War, andBlack Widowbefore his passing in 2022. After hunting Hulk, enforcing the Sokovia Accords, and persecuting Natasha Romanoff, the MCU’s Thunderbolt Ross was ready to become the Red Hulk, hence whyit didn’t take too long for Marvel Studios to recast Thunderbolt Rossand hire Harrison Ford forCaptain America: Brave New World, wherePresident Ross transforms into the Red Hulkwith the Leader’s help.
In an interview withEmpire,Harrison Ford acknowledges William Hurt’s work in the MCU and admits he’s"only slightly familiar with the Marvel Universe"himself. Despite not being acquainted with the MCU, Marvel Studios' long list of talented actors convinced Ford to join the franchise and get a taste of the fun as well. Read Ford’s comments below:
“I was a little concerned about taking over from Bill Hurt, who was a wonderful actor. I was ambitious to find the right way of assuming this character after the audience had seen other people doing it. I’m only slightly familiar with the Marvel Universe - I live in another universe but I have watched a number of Marvel films with wonderful actors, apparently having a good time. And I thought, ‘Well, why not me?'”
What Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross Recast Comments Mean
The MCU Couldn’t Skip Red Hulk’s Introduction
William Hurt did an optimal job with Thunderbolt Ross inThe Incredible Hulk,Captain America: Civil War, andBlack Widow. Unfortunately, Hurt didn’t play Red Hulk — one of the most important parts of Ross’ story in the comics. Marvel Studios likely considered Red Hulk to be essential in Phase 5, which warranted the character’s recasting.Harrison Ford’s lauded career made him the ideal candidate for President Ross inCaptain America: Brave New World; and to Marvel’s fortune, Ford was willing to join the MCU despite his well-known indifference to sci-fi franchises' lore.
Our Take On Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross Recast Comments
Harrison Ford Was Marvel Studios' Best Choice For Thunderbolt Ross' Recasting After William Hurt
Harrison Ford says Marvel’s"wonderful actors"sparked his interest in playing Thunderbolt Ross inCaptain America: Brave New World. Throughout the years, dozens of distinguished actors such as Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Douglas, Kurt Russell, and Michael Keaton have joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe.Even actors who aren’t known for sci-fi roles, like Robert Redford and Sam Rockwell, have played key characters in the MCU. It was only a matter of time until an actor as prestigious as Harrison Ford dipped his toes in the franchise.
Marvel Already Revealed How Sam Wilson Can Beat Red Hulk 9 Years Ago
There’s been some doubt about Sam Wilson’s ability to fight the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World, but Marvel already proved this possible.
Harrison Ford playedStar Wars' Han Solo andIndiana Jones' titular hero for several movies in each franchise, but Ford bid farewell to both characters inStar Wars: The Force AwakensandIndiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, respectively. Harrison Ford might not be particularly interested in multiple MCU appearances, but it seems findsThunderbolt Ross and Red Hulkfun to play, meaning that the Gamma-infused president could return every once in a while in future MCU installments afterCaptain America: Brave New World.
