Summary
Captain America: Brave New Worldis set to be the debut project for a Hollywood legend in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the star in question is going to bat for the franchise amidst a wave of popular criticism from his fellow high-profile personalities.
Captain America: Brave New Worldhas been a bit of a strange project at Marvel Studios, with fan interest seemingly going back and forth on the project as more and more details came out throughout the year. One point that was universally received with positive warmth was the confirmation thatCaptain America 4would star Harrison Ford as Thunderbolt Ross, a role that fans knew also doubled as the alter ego to the oft-antagonistic Red Hulk, a formidable addition to the MCU’s roster of characters. Fans were interested to see how the character, and Ford, would fit into the decided more grounded, political thriller-style mood ofBrave New World,especially in light of Ross being a pivotal part of the film’s politics after ascending to the role of President of the United States in the MCU.
While the MCU has faced more than its fair share of criticism from high places, with icons likeQuentin Tarantino blaming what he sees as the current doldrum of Hollywoodon the franchise and its ilk, not every legend of the industry is of like mind. In a recent interview withGQ, Ford addressed his feelings about these sorts of comments.“I mean, this is the Marvel universe, and I’m just there on a weekend pass. I’m a sailor new to this town,” Ford said concerning his role inBrave New World. “I understand the appeal of other kinds of films besides the kind we made in the ’80s and ’90s. I don’t have anything general to say about it. It’s the condition our condition is in, and things change and morph and go on. We’re silly if we sit around regretting the change and don’t participate. I’m participating in a new part of the business that, for me at least, I think is really producing some good experiences for an audience. I enjoy that.”
These cheering comments make it very clearwhy Ford signed on to play the MCU’s Thunderbolt Ross, highlighting his belief in the franchise as a vessel of entertainment and joy to millions of people. It also makes it obvious why he’s at odds with some of the franchise’s detractors, as those filmmakers have made their names in Hollywood by crafting their work like art meant to be interpreted and thought upon, with the audience’s enjoyment only really coming as a side effect of the main goal. These opposing philosophies have produced vastly different films that all contribute to the cultural zeitgeist in their own ways and it seems clear that they should be appreciated as such by creatives and fans alike.
All in all, the criticism leveled at the MCU and superhero movies in general often comes across as a matter of opinion, even when it comes from people who should be giving a more professional and nuanced view on the medium. When the points made are unquestionably valid, it’s easy to see thatthese criticisms apply far more broadly than to just the MCUand affect blockbuster films in general. Lucky for fans of superhero films, Ford seems just as content to play the morally grey, handsome older figure that Ross is now as he did when he played Han Solo in the originalStar Warstrilogy.
Captain America: Brave New Worldis currently set for theatrical release on May 22, 2025.
Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America: Brave New World (formerly titledNew World Order)marks Sam Wilson’s first MCU big-screen appearance as Steve Rogers' successor after receiving the suit and shield in Phase 4’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Anthony Mackie returns as the titular Avenger alongside Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Carl Lumby as Isaiah Bradley, and Tim Blake Nelson as The Incredible Hulk’s former ally Samuel Sterns. Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.
