Marvel's Thunderbolt Ross Recast Has To Mean Red Hulk Is Coming, Right?

Harrison Ford's recently announced recasting as Thunderbolt Ross in Captain America: New World Order and, presumably, Thunderbolts strongly suggests the Red Hulk is finally coming to the MCU. The untimely passing of former Thunderbolt Ross actor William Hurt left the door wide open for Marvel Studios to replace him with a big-name actor, and Harrison Ford is one of the biggest names the studio could have chosen. Having starred in major franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, it only makes sense that the Oscar-nominated actor would choose to join one of the biggest franchises in film history.

After the conclusion of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, audiences can expect the MCU's next Hulk story in Captain America 4. The return of Tim Blake Nelson's The Leader as the main villain for that film indicates that the film will be very Hulk-centric. Including major Hulk characters like The Leader and Thunderbolt Ross in important roles suggests Harrison Ford would not have signed up for these upcoming films if they were just background appearances. In the comics, Thunderbolt Ross becomes the Red Hulk and forms the Thunderbolts team that will be introduced in the 2024 film. The MCU has already teased that the Red Hulk is coming after Jennifer Walters mentioned a red Hulk in She-Hulk, episode 8, "Ribbit and Rip It." This mention, along with Ford's casting, could finally see the Red Hulk come to the big screen.

Harrison Ford Would Make The Perfect Red Hulk

If these MCU teases are true, then Thunderbolts can still include Red Hulk as Thunderbolt Ross' role in forming the team is so crucial. Marvel Studios has seen excellent casting throughout the years, and Harrison Ford is the perfect person to take on Red Hulk. Ford's gruff personality matches the tone that the late William Hurt brought to his version of the character. With Red Hulk most likely being a CGI character, it also suggests that Ford will not have to be involved in any action sequences. Any appearance as the Thunderbolt Ross character could see him simply wearing a suit and tie. The actor would certainly end up wearing a motion capture suit while filming scenes as Red Hulk, but it wouldn't require any grueling work as opposed to many other Marvel actors.

How Red Hulk Could Fit Into The MCU's Plans

There has been a lot of strong evidence indicating Red Hulk is coming to the MCU. Whatever Marvel Studios has planned for the character Thunderbolt Ross, there is actually a significant amount they can do with him based on the franchise's future. Should his origins from the comics be brought to the MCU, viewers could see the death of Liv Tyler's Betty Ross be a driving focus for Thunderbolt Ross' transformation into Red Hulk. Ford's appearance in Captain America: New World Order could see this transformation if The Leader is involved, but Secretary Ross might have to deal with the fallout of Sam Wilson being the new Captain America and how it could affect the government leading up to Thunderbolts.

Marvel's Thunderbolts movie should see an important role for Thunderbolt Ross if he forms the Thunderbolts or potentially even joins them. Given that the team is named after him, Ross is sure to be involved in some capacity. An interesting take on Harrison Ford's role in Captain America: New World Order as Thunderbolt Ross could retread his role in The Incredible Hulk and try to capture Hulk, She-Hulk, or even Skaar. Perhaps Secretary Ross even gets kidnapped by The Leader and is turned into the Red Hulk against his will. Either way, Harrison Ford's casting as Thunderbolt Ross is setting up a different role for the character in the MCU.

Next: Where's Abomination In Marvel's Thunderbolts Movie?