Harrison Ford’s Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross will soon debut in the MCU, begging the question of whether he’ll reprise it in 2025’s Thunderbolts*. The latest trailer for Captain America: Brave New World gave worldwide audiences their first look at Harrison Ford’s MCU role, which he has assumed in place of the late William Hurt. This trailer also confirmed what merchandise had hinted at: that Red Hulk will make his on-screen debut as a significant challenge for the newly minted Captain America to overcome.
Thunderbolts* is slated for release on July 25, 2025, immediately following Captain America: Brave New World on February 14, 2025. Details surrounding the Thunderbolts* story have been sparse, with speculation being kicked into overdrive following the addition of an asterisk in the title. What is certain is that the titular team will comprise a lineup of morally gray antiheroes and retired villains tasked with carrying out a clandestine mission assigned by Valentina Allegra De Fontaine – and Red Hulk may be involved.
Harrison Ford Will Reportedly Be In Marvel’s Thunderbolts* Movie
The Hollywood Reporter reported in October 2022 that Harrison Ford had been cast in Thunderbolts*. If true, this would mean Ford will star in two consecutive MCU movies and make a significant first impression as he embodies the long-awaited Red Hulk persona. As of yet, this report has not been contradicted, suggesting that Ford is still in the lineup somewhere in Thunderbolts* if THR sources are correct.
Given Red Hulk’s impact and the fact that he is unlikely to be bested by a notably less powerful Sam Wilson, there is every reason to believe that Ford will reprise the role down the line in the MCU. The Thunderbolts’ proximity to the government through De Fontaine suggests his role as the US President (presuming it continues after the story of Captain America: Brave New World) will also bring him closer to the team. Nevertheless, Marvel Studios itself has yet to officially confirm the veracity of this report.
Why Marvel Hasn’t Confirmed Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolts* Role Yet
As the asterisk suggests, Marvel Studios is keeping its cards close to its chest when it comes to Thunderbolts*. Whether the asterisk has anything to do with Red Hulk’s involvement is unclear, but it is safe to say that Marvel probably wants to keep Harrison Ford’s involvement a relative secret until his Captain America: Brave New World story has played out. As with most MCU installments, Marvel is likely protecting the story details for Captain America: Brave New World as well as Thunderbolts* by refusing to confirm whether Thunderbolt Ross even survives his next outing.
With that being said, there is no doubt a litany of big reveals being reserved for Marvel’s appearance at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. The studio unveiled the initial cast for Thunderbolts* at 2022’s SDCC, which was its last appearance as 2023’s writer’s strike caused Marvel to pull out of the event, so the franchise might be looking to flesh it out at this year’s along with an official announcement and reveal of Lewis Pullman’s Sentry. Unveiling Ford’s Thunderbolts* involvement would, of course, be exciting – but it also feels somewhat inevitable.
How Harrison Ford Fits Into The Thunderbolts* Movie Story
It is hard to see how Thunderbolt Ross couldn’t be in some way involved in Thunderbolts* given the team’s obvious connection to his moniker. Interestingly, the Thunderbolts of Marvel Comics had little to do with Thunderbolt Ross, with the name being chosen by leader Baron Zemo for its more esoteric connotations. On the other hand, the fact that the debut team does not involve Zemo in any way hints that Marvel might be leaning into Thunderbolt Ross being more intimately involved and may name the team after himself.
This development is hinted at further by the fact that Thunderbolt Ross was seen commissioning Captain America to found a new Avengers team in the exclusive footage for Captain America: Brave New World aired at Cinema Con. This cements Thunderbolt Ross’ expressed interest in pulling together a team of superpowered individuals. With his Red Hulk transformation now confirmed, it is also likely that Thunderbolt Ross will join the team himself, as he did in Marvel Comics.
The Thunderbolts* asterisk could also be pointing to an unseen footnote clarifying the team has nothing to do with Thunderbolt Ross, which will become clear in the wake of his death in Captain America: Brave New World. Marvel is not beyond killing off powerful and influential villains in the space of one movie (such as Hela, Gorr the God Butcher, and Red Skull), so such a fate could feasibly await Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World. Harrison Ford’s star power also hints at this, given the number of fellow Hollywood icons who feature in just one MCU movie.
