In an unexpected turn of events, Harrison Ford, renowned for his iconic roles, has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) without ever reading the script for the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World. The movie is set to premiere on February 14, featuring Ford alongside celebrated actors Anthony Mackie and Giancarlo Esposito. Ford takes on the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a character with a rich history, who not only serves as the President of the United States but also transforms into Red Hulk.
In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal Magazine, Ford shared insights about his unconventional decision to participate in the Marvel production. He revealed that it was not the script that drew him in but rather the impressive reputation of the filmmakers and his fellow actors. “Why not? I saw enough Marvels to see actors that I admired having a good time,” he explained. This unique approach isn’t new for Ford; he had previously joined projects like Shrinking and 1923 in a similar fashion.
Although Ford is famously recognized for his portrayals of Han Solo and Indiana Jones, he has proven to be versatile, also making a mark in the thriller genre. Reflecting on his new role, Ford shared, “I didn’t really know that at the end I would turn into the Red Hulk.” He compared it to life’s unpredictability, stating, “Well, it’s like life. You only get so far in the kit until the last page of the instructions is missing.” His willingness to embrace the unknown adds a fresh element to his acting career.
Ford’s unique method of engaging with his roles has yielded positive results, as evidenced by his success in the recent Yellowstone prequel series and Shrinking, both of which allowed him to collaborate with exceptional cast members. This approach has rekindled Ford’s passion for acting, making each script reveal a pleasant surprise. “It’s a surprise every time the script comes out. I’ve never done that in my life,” he admitted.
Producer Nate Moore shed light on Ford’s involvement in the MCU, revealing that it was the 82-year-old star who expressed interest in participating. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Moore stated, “Harrison saw it, I think, as an opportunity both to honor William [Hurt]’s work and to continue that character arc, which Harrison thought was really interesting in the other movies.” This sentiment illustrates Ford’s respect for his predecessors and his desire to contribute meaningfully to the franchise.
As the excitement builds for Captain America: Brave New World, early box office projections indicate that the film is positioned to earn between $85 to $95 million in its opening weekend, possibly reaching as much as $100 million over the four-day stretch between Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. With tickets now on sale, moviegoers eagerly anticipate the film’s release from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
