Harrison Ford has made it clear that fans should not expect his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe following his role as Thaddeus Ross, also known as Red Hulk, in the recent film Captain America: Brave New World. The movie, directed by Julius Onah, was released in U.S. theaters earlier this year and has grossed about $415 million worldwide, marking a significant addition to the MCU.
Details About Ford’s Involvement and Key Cast Members
In Captain America: Brave New World, Ford’s character interacts with several notable figures, including Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, who has taken up the mantle of Captain America. Other prominent cast members include Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Shira Haas playing Ruth Bat-Seraph, Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, Xosha Roquemore as Leila Taylor, Giancarlo Esposito in the role of Seth Voelker, Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, and Tim Blake Nelson portraying Samuel Sterns. The story follows Sam Wilson as he uncovers a global conspiracy connected with Ross’s presidency.
Ford’s Response on Continuing with the MCU
In an interview with Variety, when asked whether Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige had persuaded him to return for future MCU projects, Ford responded simply, “Nope.” Reflecting on his ongoing acting career, he added,
No. That’s one of the things I thought was attractive about the job of an actor, was that they need old people, too, to play old people’s parts.
—Harrison Ford, Actor
His comments suggest a contemplative acceptance of his current stage in acting rather than a desire to embrace further franchise commitments.
Character Arc and Plot Highlights from Captain America: Brave New World
At the conclusion of the film, Thaddeus Ross steps down from his role as president following his transformation into the Red Hulk and subsequent outburst. Ross is then detained in the high-security prison known as the Raft, where he receives visits from Sam Wilson and Betty Ross. The official synopsis notes,
In Captain America: Brave New World, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
—Official movie synopsis
This plot underlines how Ross’s storyline entwines with central conflicts involving global threats and political intrigue.
Streaming Availability and Industry Reporting
Captain America: Brave New World is currently available for streaming on Disney+. Coverage of Ford’s statements and the film’s performance was originally reported by Brandon Schreur of SuperHeroHype. Ford’s decision not to return reflects a broader pattern of actors moving on from major franchises once their story arcs have concluded, adding a layer of finality to his tenure in the MCU.
