A new update about Harrison Ford joining the MCU claims that he will make his debut in Captain America: New World Order, following previous reports. One of the oldest characters in Marvel Studios' ever-growing universe has been left in an unknown state ever since William Hurt sadly passed away in March 2022. Hurt, who had been playing General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross since The Incredible Hulk, made his last Marvel appearance in 2021's Black Widow.

In late September 2022, rumors began to emerge online that Star Wars icon Ford had been eyed to join the MCU, specifically to take over for Hurt as the new Ross. Allegedly, the upcoming Thunderbolts movie would include Ford's Ross, as the character is a crucial member of the team in the comics. At the time of the report, Ford was said to be Marvel Studios' "top choice" to appear in Thunderbolts as the character. The rumor came only a few weeks after Marvel Studios announced the Thunderbolts line-up at the D23 Expo.

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Roughly a month later, Jeff Sneider on The Hot Mic With John Rocha and Jeff Sneider Podcast comes with a new update that Marvel Studios has supposedly locked Ford as General Ross. /Film is also independently confirming that Ross is being recast with Ford, and that he will make his first MCU appearance in Captain America: New World Order. Marvel Studios has thus far not commented on the story.

What Harrison Ford's General Ross Could Be Like

Harrison Ford blended with an image of Thunderbolt Ross

Assuming that Ford being tapped as the MCU's new Ross is actually true, it raises many questions for the character's future, especially if he's in Thunderbolts after Captain America: New World Order. While Ross has been part of the MCU for over a decade, the films never explored nor teased his potential destiny as the Red Hulk, which is a crucial aspect of his comic counterpart. But if the MCU intends to continue using Ross for several films, especially by having Ford portray him, it wouldn't be shocking if they are getting ready to finally implement the Red Hulk aspect of his character.

Hopefully, Marvel Studios won't take too long to either confirm or deny Ford's MCU casting, but if this is happening, he marks as one of the biggest additions in the franchise's entire run. If Ford begins his MCU arc in Captain America: New World Order, that film may be the first step in Ross' Red Hulk arc, which could then lead directly into Thunderbolts. Since both films are slated for May and July 2024, respectively, that would mean a double dosage of Ford's Ross during Phase 5. It's possible Kevin Feige or Disney will clarify these reports during the next earnings call, which is taking place in early November. Since Captain America: New World Order is set to start filming in early 2023, it should be revealed sooner rather than later if Ford truly is taking over for Hurt as General Ross.

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Source: The Hot Mic With John Rocha and Jeff Sneider Podcast & /Film

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