The Marvel Cinematic Universe has undergone many casting changes over the years. However, only a few have been as significant as the recasting of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross for ‘Captain America: Brave New World’.
Originally played by the late William Hurt, Ross had been a staple of the MCU since his introduction in ‘The Incredible Hulk’. However, Hurt’s tragic passing in March 2022 left Marvel Studios in a difficult position. Now, Harrison Ford has taken over the mantle of the iconic character.
Harrison Ford Took Over Thunderbolt Ross Due To William Hurt’s Passing
With ‘Captain America: Brave New World‘ set to give Ross a more prominent role than ever before, the character couldn’t be written out. Instead, Marvel made a bold move by bringing in one of Hollywood’s biggest legends: Harrison Ford. Ford’s casting, announced in October 2022, came as a surprise to many.
Related: Harrison Ford Joining The MCU Was A “Pinch Yourself” Moment For Marvel President Kevin Feige
The A-List actor, known for his iconic roles in ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’, has spent decades playing larger-than-life characters. However, his stepping into the MCU, especially in a role already associated with another esteemed actor was surprising.
Ford, despite his status, had big shoes to fill. Fans of the franchise wondered if he would bring a fresh take to the role or stick to Hurt’s portrayal. The answer? A mix of both. Ford honors the character’s past while adding his own signature gruffness and intensity.
Harrison Ford On Why He Joined The MCU
For an actor of Harrison Ford’s caliber, joining the biggest movie franchise in the world might seem like an obvious choice. But the truth is, Ford has never been one to follow trends just for the sake of it. So what convinced him to suit up for the MCU?
In case you missed it: Anthony Mackie Reveals The Truth About How “Famous” Harrison Ford Acts On Set
In a 2023 interview with THR, Ford admitted that he had noticed other top-tier actors having a blast in the Marvel universe and thought, Why not me? “Everybody else seems to be having a great time. I watch all these terrific actors having a good time in Marvel movies. I like doing something different from what I’ve ever done and pleasing people with it,” he explained.
Additionally, with his unapologetic nature, the actor also confirmed that monetary benefits from playing the role were also a big factor. With ‘Brave New World‘ in the theatres, his performance is as charismatic and commanding as ever. Of course, things take a drastic turn when Ross is unwillingly transformed into Red Hulk.
Moreover, by the end of the film, Ross is stripped of his presidency and locked up at a high-security prison for super-powered individuals. However, does this mean his story is over? Absolutely not. If there’s one thing we know about the MCU, it’s that no major character stays sidelined for long.
