Harrison Ford is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thaddeus Ross in Captain America 4: Brave New World, taking over the role from the late William Hurt. Ford aims to honor Hurt’s legacy while navigating the character’s complex dynamics as Secretary of State, tasked with persuading Sam Wilson to rebuild the Avengers. Emphasizing storytelling over political themes, Ford expresses excitement about his new role and the collaborative spirit on set, especially with co-star Anthony Mackie.
Harrison Ford Embraces a New Role in the Marvel Universe
In a surprising twist, veteran actor Harrison Ford is stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying Thaddeus Ross in the upcoming Captain America 4: Brave New World. This marks Ford’s second time in the White House, having previously played a president in Air Force One. Known for iconic roles in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, Ford’s transition into the superhero genre is highly anticipated.
Taking over a role previously held by the late William Hurt, Ford acknowledges the weight of responsibility he feels to honor Hurt’s legacy. “He was a wonderful actor, and I was very grateful to have his example to help me prepare to tell this story,” Ford shared during a promotional event in London. Although the character has undergone a slight makeover—losing his mustache—Ford assures fans that the ambition of Thaddeus Ross remains intact.
The Complex Dynamics of Thaddeus Ross
Thaddeus Ross, who was a general in The Incredible Hulk and later appeared in Captain America: Civil War, Infinity War, and Black Widow, is now the Secretary of State in a politically charged environment. His mission? To persuade Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, to “rebuild the Avengers” amidst a world on the brink of chaos. The relationship between Ross and Wilson has historically been fraught with tension, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.
When asked about his preparation for the role, Ford humorously admitted that he relied on his family for a crash course on the MCU. “They explained pretty much everything I needed to know,” he quipped. The actor’s commitment to understanding the character intensified when he learned that Thaddeus Ross would transform into the Red Hulk, a role that required motion capture technology to capture his expressions.
Ford emphasized that while both experiences involved cutting-edge technology, the essence of storytelling remains the same. “It’s not about whether you have balls on your face or not. Every story is based on human interactions,” he explained, highlighting the importance of character relationships in the film. His on-set experience with co-stars, particularly Anthony Mackie, has been overwhelmingly positive, as he noted, “It was a very pleasant workplace.”
Intrigued by the complex relationship between Thaddeus Ross and his daughter, played by Liv Tyler, Ford delves into the emotional struggles of the character, who seeks redemption for past mistakes. He believes that every role he takes on is an opportunity to explore new challenges and collaborate with fresh talent, a sentiment he shared during interviews.
As Captain America: Brave New World approaches its release on February 12, Ford expresses excitement about joining the Marvel universe, stating that he wanted to experience the fun that many of his friends have had in the franchise. However, he remains clear about his intentions, distinguishing between entertainment and political commentary. “It’s a movie, and it’s politics… But that’s not why I came. That’s not what I do,” he concluded, reinforcing his focus on storytelling over current events.