Harrison Ford as Thunderbolt Ross

Captain America: Brave New World will see veteran actor Harrison Ford step into the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross/Red Hulk, taking it over from the late William Hurt. The latter had played Ross since 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, and he maintained a significant presence as a background villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Captain America: Brave New World, Ross has been elected as the President of the United States and—after years of opposing superpowered individuals—becomes the Red Hulk.

Speaking with On Demand Entertainment at the London premiere of the film, Ford addressed playing Ross after Hurt’s death. According to the Indiana Jones star, portraying a character who was previously performed by another actor creates a new level of pressure: “It then becomes your responsibility to fill out the shoes that have walked before you.“

However, Ford maintained that he had “a lot of help from the script because the character’s life becomes more complicated and interesting, perhaps.” Speaking more directly about his first foray into Marvel films, Ford describes the film as “operatic,” saying that “the level of dramatic, you know, involvement is very high.“

What Harrison Ford’s Comments About Taking Over For William Hurt In The MCU Mean

Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross (Harrison Ford) in Captain America 4: Brave New World talking to Sam Wilson William Hurt as General Ross in The Incredible Hulk Liv Tyler as Betty Ross and William Hurt as General Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross standing by a tank looking shocked in The Incredible Hulk Captain America (Anthony Mackie) and Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross (Harrison Ford) at the White House in Captain America 4: Brave New World Captain America: Civil War Trailer 2 - Thunderbolt Ross

Taking over for a respected actor in a major franchise is no easy task, but Ford has made it clear both that he is up for it and that he wants to live up to Hurt’s legacy. Previously, the star admitted he was concerned about taking over for Hurt, who he considers “a wonderful actor.” Even so, he “was ambitious to find the right way of assuming this character after the audience had seen other people doing it.“

Ford, despite being “only slightly familiar with the Marvel Universe,” was excited to join the franchise, so much so that he reached out to Marvel and Kevin Feige himself. The actor explained: “I have watched a number of Marvel films with wonderful actors, apparently having a good time. And I thought, ‘Well, why not me?’“

Our Take On Harrison Ford’s Comments About Taking Over For William Hurt In The MCU

President Ross' Red Hulk yelling in Captain America Brave New World

Given his comments about Hurt and becoming the MCU’s new Thunderbolt Ross, it is clear that Ford is committed to making Captain America: Brave New World the best, most fun film it can be. Hurt’s portrayal of Ross was cold, calculating, and compelling, and it is a shame that he never got to play the Red Hulk side of the character. However, Ford is an excellent performer himself. Though Hurt’s absence in the MCU will be felt, Ford’s take on the character will hopefully be as entertaining in Captain America: Brave New World.