After weeks of speculation, it’s been confirmed that Harrison Ford will play General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ford is replacing William Hurt, who played the iconic character from 2008’s The Incredible Hulk to 2021’s Black Widow. Sadly, Hurt died of prostate cancer on March 13, 2022. He was 72. Ford will star in Captain America: New World Order opposite Anthony Mackie, Shira Haas, Tim Blake Nelson, and Carl Lumbly. The star-spangled sequel is the only confirmed film for Ford, though it’s presumed he’ll star in Marvel’s Thunderbolts too.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier scribe Malcolm Spellman wrote the script for Captain America: New World Order with Dalan Musson. The anticipated sequel marks Mackie’s big-screen debut as Captain America after Sam Wilson assumed the mantle in the Disney+ series.
As a Disney regular for the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, it makes sense that Ford is taking on the role. However, I wonder if anyone explained to Ford the amount of motion capture work the character will eventually endure. It’s also worth noting that Ford is 80 years old. I hope they’ve got an agile body double ready for those big action scenes. While there is no timetable for when Red Hulk will appear in the MCU, it’s likely to happen at some point.
What do you think about Harrison Ford playing General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in the MCU? Is Ford getting too old for this shit, or is he the perfect choice for Hurt’s replacement? Do you think someone had a “come to Jesus” moment with Ford about Marvel’s lust for motion capture? How quickly do you think Ford said, “If you want me to do this, I’m not getting involved in all of that.” Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.