It was inevitable that the Red Hulk would eventually appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The inclusion of the Ross family in these films strongly hinted at this possibility.
However, this prospect seemed less likely following the unfortunate passing of William Hurt, which raised concerns that the character might not be revisited. Marvel, however, chose to recast the role for Captain America: Brave New World.
The decision brought an unexpected twist—Harrison Ford, someone you might not have imagined joining the Marvel universe, especially given his well-documented dissatisfaction with Star Wars.
Ford’s decision to step into this role seemed almost ironic, given Marvel’s reputation for similarly demanding franchises.
Surprisingly, Ford appeared to embrace the experience, spending a good part of this year teasing fans by claiming ignorance about what a Red Hulk even was. Yet, when it came time to showcase that transformation on screen, it left an impression.
As described by Captain America: Brave New World director Julius Onah in a recent interview with Empire, Ford’s performance in this pivotal moment was electrifying.
“All of us on set were like, ‘Holy fucking shit, he nailed it,’” Onah shared. “It’s really great to get back to a Hulk that is just fucking breaking shit, and a rage monster.”
Ford himself admitted to having initial reservations about taking over the role from the late Hurt, as well as about joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “I was a little concerned about taking over from Bill Hurt, who was a wonderful actor,” Ford said.
“I was ambitious to find the right way of assuming this character after the audience had seen other people doing it. I’m only slightly familiar with the Marvel Universe—I live in another universe—but I have watched a number of Marvel films with wonderful actors, apparently having a good time. And I thought, ‘Well, why not me?’”
For Ford, seeing others enjoying themselves seemed reason enough to join the project. As decisions go, this one feels far from the worst motivation for jumping into something as grand as Captain America: Brave New World.
Harrison Ford As Red Hulk
A Glimpse at Captain America: Brave New World
In Captain America: Brave New World, Harrison Ford portrays Red Hulk and President Thaddeus Ross in his Marvel Studios debut.
Alongside him, Anthony Mackie stars as Captain America, with his character Sam Wilson having officially assumed the title in the finale of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier on Disney+ in 2021.
The film’s plot follows Captain America as he meets with President Ross and finds himself thrust into the center of an international crisis.
Tasked with uncovering the truth behind a dangerous global conspiracy, Sam faces challenges that may push the entire world into chaos.
The cast of Captain America: Brave New World features Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and, of course, Harrison Ford.
Julius Onah serves as the director, while Kevin Feige and Nate Moore produce the film, with Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth as executive producers.
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World will premiere in U.S. theaters on February 14, 2025.
Ford’s Professional Commitment
Despite the fantastical nature of the role, Ford approached the project with professionalism, determined to align with the filmmakers’ vision. “I tried to understand the ambition of the filmmakers and to be useful to them,” Ford said.
“I just didn’t sit home at night and say, ‘Oh, what do I want to do when I turn into the Hulk?’ It didn’t seem to me to be a terribly difficult acting proposition.”
While the number of films Ford has signed on for remains unclear, it’s widely speculated that this might be a one-and-done appearance.
Regardless of his future in the MCU, Ford’s willingness to embrace the role with an open mind demonstrates his adaptability—even when stepping into a universe as unique and over-the-top as Marvel’s.
