Harrison Ford made a monumental entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, where he officially revealed his role as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World. The excitement reached a fever pitch when Ford, at 82 years old, took the stage in Hall H, embodying the character who will transform into the formidable Red Hulk.
During a previous interview, Ford had humorously questioned, “What is a Red Hulk?” But the mystery was unveiled as he joined the Marvel family, taking over the role from the late William Hurt, who portrayed Ross in earlier films. The audience erupted in applause as Ford mimicked the iconic Hulk roar, solidifying his commitment to the character and the franchise.
The newly released trailer for Captain America: Brave New World showcased Ford’s character smashing through the White House, setting the stage for an intense confrontation with Anthony Mackie’s Captain America. Ford expressed his pride in joining the Marvel universe, stating, “I’m delighted. And I’m proud to become a member of the Marvel universe.” He acknowledged the legacy of the character, saying, “This is a character that’s based on a lot of history developed with Bill, who played the character previously.”
The film, directed by Julius Onah, is set to hit theaters on February 14, 2025. It promises to deliver a thrilling narrative that intertwines political intrigue with superhero action. The trailer opens with a tense meeting at the White House, where President Ross, now in a position of power, seeks to collaborate with Sam Wilson, the new Captain America. Their relationship is complicated by past events, particularly Ross’s previous role as Secretary of State during the events of Captain America: Civil War.
As the story unfolds, Sam finds himself embroiled in an international incident, with retired super-soldier Isaiah Bradley as a key figure in the conflict. The stakes are raised as the trailer hints at the emergence of the Red Hulk, a transformation that Ford’s character will undergo, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.
The Comic-Con panel featured not only Ford but also other cast members, including Danny Ramirez, who reprises his role as the new Falcon, and Tim Blake Nelson, returning as Samuel Sterns, also known as The Leader. Newcomer Shira Haas joins the cast as Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former Black Widow now serving as a high-ranking government official. Giancarlo Esposito’s role as Sidewinder, the King of the Serpent Society, adds another intriguing element to the film.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige emphasized the film’s return to the gritty action reminiscent of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, promising a more cerebral take on the character of Captain America. Mackie noted that his portrayal of Sam Wilson diverges from the traditional muscle-bound hero, focusing instead on a more nuanced approach to the character.
The footage screened at Comic-Con revealed President Ross addressing world leaders at the Celestial Island Summit, discussing the discovery of adamantium, a valuable element linked to the events of Eternals. Ross’s recruitment of Sam Wilson to form a new Avengers team sets the stage for a thrilling adventure, but complications arise, leading to the revelation of Ross’s transformation into the Red Hulk.
Feige’s excitement was palpable as he remarked, “Just when I think my nerdy life can’t get more complete, I hear Harrison Ford say ‘adamantium.'” This moment encapsulated the enthusiasm surrounding Ford’s entry into the Marvel universe, as fans eagerly anticipate the film’s release.
The first teaser trailer, released earlier, hinted at an assassination attempt on President Ross, creating a sense of urgency and danger. The film marks a significant transition for the Captain America franchise, as Mackie takes over the mantle from Chris Evans, who portrayed Steve Rogers in previous films. The narrative will explore Sam’s journey as he embraces his new role and navigates the challenges that come with it.
Captain America: Brave New World promises to be a thrilling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, blending action, political intrigue, and character development. With Harrison Ford’s iconic presence and the return of familiar faces, fans are in for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
As the anticipation builds for the film’s release, the excitement surrounding Ford’s portrayal of Thunderbolt Ross and his transformation into the Red Hulk continues to resonate with fans. The combination of a talented cast, a compelling storyline, and the legacy of the Marvel universe sets the stage for a blockbuster hit.
Source: ComicBook, Marvel Studios
