OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Harrison Ford’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been one of the most exciting aspects of Captain America: Brave New World. The legendary actor, known for iconic roles like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, is now stepping into the shoes of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a character that’s pivotal to the upcoming MCU film. What makes Ford’s casting even more entertaining is the hilarious detail he recently revealed about his decision to join the MCU—and it’s something fans will absolutely love.
While Captain America: Brave New World marks the beginning of a new chapter in the MCU, with Anthony Mackie taking over as the titular Captain America, it also introduces a few other big names to the fold. One of the most notable is Ford, whose casting as Thunderbolt Ross adds a new layer of intrigue to the political thriller plot of the movie. But Ford’s journey into the MCU was anything but traditional.
In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Ford revealed a shocking yet hilarious tidbit about how he landed the role. Unlike most actors who meticulously read scripts before committing to a project, Ford took a much more laid-back approach. In fact, he didn’t even read the script for Captain America 4 before signing on. “No script,” Ford casually stated. “Why not? I saw enough Marvels to see actors that I admired having a good time.”
Now, this in itself is pretty wild—Ford, a Hollywood legend, signing up for a major role in a franchise as massive as Marvel’s without even glancing at the script. But the real twist came when Ford admitted he didn’t even know the full scope of his character’s journey in the film. He revealed that he was completely unaware of one of Thunderbolt Ross’s most important moments—when he transforms into the Red Hulk. “I didn’t really know that at the end, I would turn into the Red Hulk,” Ford said, adding with a laugh, “It’s like life; you only get so far in the kit until the last page of the instructions is missing.”
Imagine that: Ford learning mid-production that his character would not only play a key political figure but also undergo a major transformation into the iconic Red Hulk. It’s a bit of a marvel (pun intended) that Ford’s veteran instincts—honed over decades in Hollywood—were enough to navigate the role without needing to study the script. This isn’t the first time Ford has taken on a project without reading the script; he’s previously taken similar approaches with shows like Shrinking and 1923.
The fact that Ford joined the MCU based purely on the positive experiences of other actors speaks volumes about the work environment at Marvel Studios. It’s clear that the MCU’s reputation for being a fun and rewarding place to work played a significant role in Ford’s decision to join. And as his role as Thunderbolt Ross becomes more pivotal in Captain America 4, fans are likely to see a lot more of Ford’s interpretation of this character in the coming years, possibly even in some unexpected forms—like the Red Hulk.
What makes Ford’s casting even more exciting is his newfound appreciation for his career. In recent years, the actor has expressed a more laid-back approach to his roles, signing on for projects that he finds interesting and fun. With the MCU still expanding, there’s a good chance we’ll see a lot more of Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross—and who knows what other exciting, unpredictable twists Marvel has in store for him.
It’s safe to say that Ford’s MCU journey has already been one for the books, and with his Red Hulk transformation awaiting fans, we can’t wait to see where this thrilling ride takes him next!