Harrison Ford is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, stepping onto the big screen as Red Hulk in the highly anticipated "Captain America: Brave New World,” which is set to release on February 14, 2025. This marks Ford's much-awaited entry to the MCU, bringing one of the franchise’s most complex characters to life.
Ford has expressed his unique approach to stepping inside the shoes of Ross, emphasizing he had to develop the character without consulting Mark Ruffalo, the actor most associated with the Hulk character. “He wasn’t available for a consultation,” Ford noted during his recent interview, which aired on On Demand Entertainment. “I just had to wing it. I hope he’s not disappointed.” With these lighthearted comments, Ford hints at what he hopes will resonate with audiences, crafting his own version of the formidable character previously portrayed as primarily antagonistic toward Hulk.
Harrison Ford's portrayal introduces Red Hulk as the second Hulk-like character following Ruffalo’s depiction of Bruce Banner/The Hulk. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has featured other Hulk-related characters, such as She-Hulk, Skaar, and Abomination, but Ford's role embodies the first major on-screen transformation directly tied to the Red Hulk narration.
For fans of the franchise, this development is significant. Characteristic of the Red Hulk, Ross epitomizes pure rage and aggression, marking Ford's entry as indicative of the continued evolution of MCU characters as the franchise expands. Ford’s presence is expected to introduce new dynamic layers and theories about the expansive comic book storyline surrounding the Hulk and his adversaries.
Director Julius Onah, who is helming the project, expressed exhilaration over Ford’s performance during the filming. He remarked, “All of us on set were like, ‘Holy f**ing sht, he nailed it?'” This underscored how impressed the production team was by Ford's ability to embody such a complex character, offering more than just the quintessential action hero dynamics he’s known for. Onah highlights Ford’s portrayal as instrumental to embracing the narrative of Red Hulk, who is described as “a rage monster.”
The emergence of Ford’s character serves to lend weight to the continuing saga of the Hulk and related figures, and will likely bring the former Indiana Jones star more accolades within the superhero genre. His fans await not only the film’s release but also what his take on Ross might reveal about the future of the character and the larger MCU narrative.
Ford’s remarks hint at the thrilling possibility of future confrontations between his Red Hulk and Ruffalo’s classic Hulk—a showdown long anticipated by comic book and Marvel movie enthusiasts. The upcoming MCU films, including the planned "Thunderbolts," may expand on Ford's portrayal, marking just the beginning of his superhero legacy.
With the excitement building, audiences are eager to see how Ford’s commitment to embodying Thaddeus Ross transforms the character's legacy within the MCU. It’s more than just another casting choice; it’s the introduction of Ford as Red Hulk, highlighting several themes such as identity, rage, and the shifting dynamics of power within the franchise.