Harrison Ford’s MCU Casting Can Flip 1 Of His Most Iconic Roles

Harrison Ford has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe to play Thunderbolt Ross, and he could flip one of his most iconic roles in the process. William Hurt’s Thunderbolt Ross was largely forgotten about by Marvel Studios after The Incredible Hulk, but he returned as a recurring character in Phase 3 thanks to the Russo Brothers. His return in Black Widow in Phase 4 was meant to be the beginning of a bigger role, but William Hurt passed away shortly after the film’s release. Marvel Studios eventually decided to recast the role and bring Harrison Ford into the MCU as Thaddeus Ross might finally become Red Hulk.

Joining the MCU comes after a prolific career for Harrison Ford filled with iconic characters and movies. While he is best known as either Han Solo or Indiana Jones (or maybe Rick Deckard for some), Ford has plenty of other recognizable films. His MCU casting as Thunderbolt Ross for Captain America: New World Order, and likely Thunderbolts, gives him the opportunity to put his spin on an established character. It should be expected that Marvel will tailor Thunderbolt Ross’ future to best suit Ford, and that could include reversing one of the actor’s most iconic roles.

Thunderbolt Ross Being Marvel’s President Makes Harrison Ford’s Casting Better

Now that Harrison Ford is playing Thunderbolt Ross in the MCU, rumors have swirled that he will become Marvel’s President. This would not be the first time that Harrison Ford played the President of the United States in a movie, as he famously played President James Marshall in 1997’s Air Force One. The movie by director Wolfgang Peterson put Harrison Ford’s President in danger when Air Force One is hijacked, forcing the POTUS to leap into action and be the ultimate hero.

If Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross becomes the MCU’s President, though, Marvel could flip what type of leader he is. Ross is usually more of a villain than a hero in the comics, and that has proven to be true in the movies as he routinely opposes superheroes. Captain America: New World Order could explain President Thaddeus Ross as part of his political ascension after becoming Secretary of State in Phase 3. If President Ross is a villain for the Marvel heroes, Harrison Ford’s MCU casting would perfectly reverse how heroic the actor was as POTUS in Air Force One. This will be even more true if he becomes Red Hulk.

Will Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk Always Be A Villain?

Harrison Ford taking over the role of Thunderbolt Ross and possibly becoming the MCU’s Red Hulk does create the expectation that he will be a villain. There is no guarantee that Red Hulk will always remain an antagonist, but that is the most likely outcome. Outside of teaming up with some heroes to possibly take on a bigger threat, Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk should consistently be someone who causes problems for the main MCU characters. That is the role he should have in Captain America: New World Order, Thunderbolts, and any other future appearances that Harrison Ford makes.