William Hurt first played General "Thunderbolt" Ross way back in 2008 in The Incredible Hulk and continued to make sporadic appearances right through to 2021's Black Widow. Unfortunately, the actor passed away last year, though we'd anticipated him retiring from the MCU for a while, especially with his health sadly on the decline.
Last summer, Marvel Studios shocked the world when it was revealed that Harrison Ford has joined the franchise as the new General Ross, starting with 2024's Captain America: New World Order.
No official announcement was made at D23 for fear of overshadowing Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the legendary Star Wars actor finally shed some light on why, at 80, he's chosen now to star in a comic book movie.
"I don’t know. I can’t explain myself to myself, I just work here," he joked before getting a little more serious. "I thought, 'Everybody else seems to be having a great time.' I watch all these terrific actors having a good time [in Marvel movies]."
"I like doing something different to what I’ve ever done and pleasing people with it. So I’ll try a piece of that."
That's as good a reason as any, and there's definitely plenty of excitement and joy surrounding Ford's decision to play Ross. As much as well miss Hurt, the former Han Solo joining the MCU feels like a dream come true...especially if rumours his character will transform into Red Hulk are correct.
Fans have been waiting a long time to see that villain on screen, and while we don't necessarily anticipate Ford sticking around for multiple appearances, it would be a shame if Marvel Studios hasn't at least tried to sign him up for one of the upcoming Avengers movies.
Captain America: New World Order is set to be released on May 3, 2024.
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