Why Harrison Ford Was Recast As Thunderbolt Ross In The MCU

Harrison Ford will be making his MCU debut in Captain America: Brave New World as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, the new President of the United States. After the successful run of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in 2021, Anthony Mackie was confirmed to be returning to the big screen as Sam Wilson’s Captain America. Without any innate superhuman gifts, Phase 5’s Captain America: Brave New World was always going to be more of a smaller-scale, espionage-style movie, akin to The Winter Soldier, which necessitated the need for a beloved human villain.

Enter Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a minor MCU antagonist – more of a thorn in the side – who first posed a threat to Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk, before becoming a government figure and helping to implement the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War. Ross was previously portrayed by the incomparable William Hurt, who appeared in a total of five MCU movies over 13 years. William Hurt unfortunately won’t be returning as Thaddeus Ross in Captain America: Brave New World, however, though Harrison Ford has been recast in his place.

Why Harrison Ford Plays Thunderbolt Ross (& Red Hulk) In Captain America: Brave New World

Tragically, William Hurt passed away in March 2022 following a short battle with prostate cancer. This was a huge loss for the MCU, given the fact that Hurt had portrayed Thaddeus Ross for many years. Production on Captain America: Brave New World had already begun at the time of Hurt’s passing, and since Ross was expected to have a much larger role in the movie than his previous brief appearances, the character needed to be recast. While one legend had been lost, Marvel Studios hired another legend in his place, hiring Harrison Ford as a recast Thaddeus Ross.

This casting was confirmed in October 2022 (via Deadline), allowing Harrison Ford to star alongside Anthony Mackie and Danny Ramirez in the upcoming 2025 movie. Captain America: Brave New World’s first teaser trailer provided the first proper look at Harrison Ford’s Ross, who has been elected President of the United States by the time of Brave New World. The trailer also shockingly revealed that Ross would become Red Hulk in the movie, which had been heavily rumored beforehand, and marks a very exciting evolution for the character.

Harrison Ford Revealed Why He Joined The MCU

During a February 2023 discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Harrison Ford revealed exactly why he wanted to take on a role in the MCU. Ford noted that “everybody else seems to be having a great time,” so his FOMO might be the biggest draw for the MCU’s upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. While it will be a shame to lose William Hurt’s captivating presence in the MCU, it will be interesting to see what new avenues Harrison Ford takes with Thaddeus Ross, especially in his transformation into the Red Hulk and new position as United States President.

I don’t know. I can’t explain myself to myself, I just work here. ( Laughs .) I thought, “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 to what I’ve ever done and pleasing people with it. So I’ll try a piece of that.