Why Captain America 4's Major Casting Change Could Change MCU Forever
Captain America 4's recasting decision sparks speculation Will the introduction of a big name actor backfire, drawing attention away from the rest of the cast and potentially revealing the character's future? Only time will tell
The fifth phase of the MCU commenced in early 2023 with the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, alongside other highly anticipated titles like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Secret Invasions. This phase will continue into 2024 with The Falcon taking up the mantle of Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World. While many beloved characters are set to return to the big screen, the unfortunate passing of William Hurt in March 2022 due to complications from prostate cancer left the franchise execs with the daunting task of recasting his role as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, a character he portrayed in several previous MCU films.
Harrison Ford Could Steal Attention From the Rest of the Cast
Anthony Mackie recently shared a photo on Instagram featuring himself alongside Harrison Ford, who will be playing the role of General Thaddeus Ross in his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Ford has certainly proven his talent in other iconic franchises, such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, some may question if he is the best fit for this particular role. This decision could potentially have negative consequences for the film.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to expand, it is inevitable that some fans may start to look towards other franchises such as Star Wars or the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). However, for those who are fans of both the MCU and Star Wars, the appearance of Harrison Ford in a Marvel film could potentially distract them from the story. Rather than seeing Thunderbolt Ross on the screen, the first thing they may notice is the captain of the Millennium Falcon, taking them out of the movie experience.
Ford's Performance Will Likely Differ Greatly From William Hurt's
Despite Ford's undeniable charm and skill as an actor, it remains to be seen whether his previous roles will translate well into the character of Ross. While his physicality and humor may be assets, the audience will ultimately judge him on his ability to bring Ross to life in a unique and compelling way. Only time will tell if Ford can successfully make the transition from iconic hero to complex villain.
The late William Hurt brought General Ross to life in The Incredible Hulk, where he immediately showcased his questionable motives. His goal was to weaponize a super soldier, and he attempted to recreate the serum that had turned Steve Rogers into Captain America. However, things went terribly wrong when his test subject, Bruce Banner, turned into the Hulk after reacting differently to the gamma rays.
Ross took it upon himself to exert control over the superheroes of the MCU after witnessing the destruction caused by their actions. This was most evident in Captain America: Civil War, where he clashed with Rogers and the other Avengers who opposed the Sokovia Accords. While Ross had good intentions with the Accords, he was not exactly a hero either. Hurt's portrayal of Ross's stern and authoritative personality was spot on, and it is essential for Ford to maintain this characterization. Convincing viewers that Ross's character remains the same will be Ford's biggest challenge.
Casting a Big Name Might Be Giving Away the Character's Future
It remains to be seen if Thunderbolt Ross will undergo the transformation into the Red Hulk, a formidable foe for the Avengers, in Captain America: Brave New World. However, with Ford's prominent status as an actor and assumption of the role, it's plausible that he will continue on in the franchise. Fans can speculate that Ross will at least survive through Brave New World, especially with the upcoming Thunderbolts film set to release in 2024, which follows the antihero squad assembled by Ross himself.
There is no denying that the casting of Ford as Red Hulk in the MCU has led to speculation about the character's potential. While many fans of the comics would be excited to see Red Hulk on the big screen, the inclusion of a big name like Ford may remove the surprise factor from the storyline. However, it's worth noting that previous films have hinted at Ross becoming Red Hulk, with his thirst for power and health issues setting the stage for his transformation. The audience may have already anticipated the character's debut, but it remains to be seen how the filmmakers will handle the storyline.
Captain America: Brave New World is set to release May 3, 2024.
