Captain America: Brave New World Director Addresses Casting Harrison Ford As Red Hulk In The MCU

Captain America: Brave New World director Julius Onah recently spoke about how the inclusion of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross/Red Hulk shaped the overall thematic message of the next Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Thunderbolt Ross will be portrayed by legendary actor Harrison Ford, following the unfortunate pᴀssing of William Hurt, who had played the role since 2008. This iteration of the character was recently elected as the President of the United States. In keeping with his past appearances, he will be an antagonist to Sam Wilson/Captain America and Joaquin Torres/Falcon, played by Anthony Mackie and Danny Ramirez, respectively.

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As part of Fandango’s Big Ticket interview series, Onah opened up about the inclusion of Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World and his relation to the core themes of the film. The director revealed that he “was smiling like a kid” when “Red Hulk first became a possibility in this film.” Because of his excitement, he “knew this was the right idea and the right moment to put him out there in the world.” Moreover, Onah was enthusiastic about the casting of Ross, explaining “having an actor like Harrison Ford play Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, knowing that he’s going to have scenes with Anthony Mackie,” added to the film.

Speaking more directly about the Hulk, Onah stated: “The Hulk character is such an expression of pure id, but there’s something about, especially a rage Hulk, that is so relatable and exciting for an audience, but there’s also a real thematic core when it comes to the expression of that anger in this film, and what it means about the conflict at the center of this film.” He went on to say that “it’s not just like the inner kid in [him] that’s excited about it, but the director or the storyteller in [him] is also excited about where this goes, and thematically what this film has to say.”

Per Onah, the message behind Captain America: Brave New World contributes to “a really exciting Captain America film.” The director further teased that “sitting side by side with everything that [Mackie and Ramirez] have been a part of in the past,” the film “is going to be a real treat for audiences.“

What Julius Onah’s Red Hulk Comments Mean For Captain America 4

Onah’s enthusiasm for how Red Hulk contributes to the message of Captain America: Brave New World demonstrates a clear vision for what he wants the film to be. Moreover, the director has an understanding of the Hulk and Red Hulk characters, specifically how they are emotionally driven and lack the inhibitions of their human counterparts. Contrasting that with the cold, often calculating Ross will make for an interesting villain, especially for a hero like Sam, who is new to the Captain America role.

Our Take On Julius Onah’s Red Hulk Comments

President Ross' Red Hulk yelling in Captain America Brave New World

If Onah’s excitement is anything to go off of, fans will be in for a fun ride when Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters in February. Given Ross’ status in the MCU as a longstanding, nonphysical threat, it will be interesting to see Red Hulk bring out a different aspect of the politician. Additionally, Ford is an excellent actor with experience in many genres. While the late Hurt will be missed in the role, Ford has the potential to make a memorable villain for Captain America, joining a long line of solid MCU villains for the Star-Spangled Man.