February 2nd 2025.
Harrison Ford's performance in his first Marvel film has been receiving rave reviews, with some even comparing it to the works of Shakespeare. Playing Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross in Captain America: Brave New World, Ford has been praised for his portrayal of the character who also transforms into the Red Hulk. Tim Blake Nelson, Ford's co-star, even went as far as to say that watching Ford in this role was like seeing him play the iconic character King Lear.
Taking over the role from the late William Hurt, who had portrayed the general turned US president in five previous Marvel movies, Ford's performance has been highly anticipated. During a press conference for the film, Nelson expressed his admiration for Marvel Studios, lead actor Anthony Mackie, and then turned to Ford, saying, "Harrison, what I love about you when I watch your performance in this, is you're one of the greats, and you're in this comic book movie, but – and I know that everybody is going to ridicule me for this – but it's like you're playing [Shakespeare's King] Lear." In the play, Lear is a ruler who makes poor decisions and ultimately faces a tragic end.
While Ford's character, Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross, may have a different story arc, he still faces difficult decisions and challenges as the President, and also transforms into the Red Hulk after years of opposing those with superpowers. Nelson was impressed by Ford's commitment and soul in portraying this character, saying, "That's so unbelievably exciting to see that level of commitment and soul in this American mythology, which is the MCU, that goes back to the comics. I can't wait for people to see that level of commitment and to say, what in the world is going to happen next!"
Nelson also praised Marvel for their casting choices, stating that they bring in "serious" actors to their films. He mentioned Anthony Mackie's depth and soul as an actor, and how that applies to everyone in the cast. Ford, who first played Samuel Sterns in The Incredible Hulk in 2008, is reprising his role after 17 years. When asked if he would like to see his character, the Red Hulk, make a comeback in future movies, Ford responded, "Hell, I hope he can come back, [if] there's a story in which he can develop into something other than the Red Hulk."
Ford also mentioned that he was happy with the opportunity to play in the Marvel universe and take on a character that he felt was a great fit for him. He also referenced other established actors who have appeared in MCU movies, saying, "I've watched Marvel movies and seen actors I really liked – really admired – have a great time. And I thought, 'Hey, I want me some of that!'" From Sir Anthony Hopkins to Cate Blanchett, many acclaimed actors have joined the MCU in recent years.
In Captain America: Brave New World, directed by Julius Onah, Sam Wilson (played by Mackie) must uncover the motive behind a nefarious global plan that puts him in the middle of an international incident. Along with Ford and Mackie, the film also features Danny Ramirez, Giancarlo Esposito, Shira Haas, and Rosa Salazar. Fans can catch the film in UK cinemas starting February 14.
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