.jpg "“I Hope He’s Not Disappointed:” Harrison Ford Addresses Becoming Marvel’s Next Hulk After Mark Ruffalo In Captain America: Brave New World")
Captain America: Brave New World star Harrison Ford discussed becoming the “second” actor to play a Hulk in the Marvel CInematic Universe. The first, of course, was Bruce Banner/Hulk, who was portrayed by Edward Norton in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk and by Mark Ruffalo in each subsequent appearance. Though Ford’s character, Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, will take on the Red Hulk title, he’s technically not the second Hulk character in the MCU, with Hulk-adjacent characters She-Hulk, Skaar, and Abomination appearing previously, but he will be the second in a film role to take on a similar moniker.
In an interview with On Demand Entertainment, Ford was asked about whether he had spoken with Ruffalo about portraying Red Hulk. Per Ford, “he wasn’t available for a consultation.” The actor said he “just had to wing it,” before adding that he “hope[s] he’s not disappointed.” Ross is, rather infamously, one of the Hulk’s most contentious enemies, and so Ford also joked about how he and Ruffalo should face each other in combat to see who is “hulkier.”
Though Ruffalo did not aid Ford in developing his Red Hulk performance, the latter expressed a clear respect for the MCU veteran by implying he’d appreciate his approval. More importantly, Ford implied that he’d be game to appear opposite Ruffalo’s Hulk in a future installment. Given that his first outing as Red Hulk pits him against Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson/Captain America, this willingness to reprise his role indicates a couple of things: Ross probably survives Captain America: Brave New World, and there may already be plans for Ford’s MCU future.
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Captain America: Brave New World’s Harrison Ford Addresses Taking Over As The MCU’s Thunderbolt Ross For William Hurt: “It Becomes Your Responsibility To Fill Out the Shoes That Have Walked Before You”
Following William Hurt’s passing, Harrison Ford opens up about starring as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross/Red Hulk Captain America: Brave New World.
Ford’s performance as Red Hulk was described by Captain America: Brave New World director Julius Onah as “mind-blowing.” The filmmaker explained how the cast and crew reacted to Ford’s acting while on set for the film: “All of us on set were like, ‘Holy f*cking sh*t, he nailed it? It’s really great to get back to a Hulk that is just f*cking breaking sh*t, and a rage monster.” Given these comments, Ford appears to be committed to his character and willing to have fun with the role.
Ford is an iconic and beloved performer for a reason: he delivers memorable performances. His casting as Thunderbolt Ross is an asset to the MCU, and if Red Hulk becomes a recurring presence in the franchise, his talent will likely elevate its films. Fans may have to wait until the release of Captain America: Brave New World to see Ford hulk out, but given Ford’s comments about his MCU future, there could very well be more to come, including a showdown with Ruffalo’s Hulk.