Summary
Marvel Studios uses its oldest recasting trick when debuting Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross inCaptain America: Brave New World. Director Julius Onah will mark his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut with Anthony Mackie’s first headlining film as Sam Wilson as he continues his arc as the franchise’s new Star-Spangled Avenger. Mackie’s film will boast an impressive ensemble that is composed of new and familiar faces. However, among everyone in the cast, arguably the most anticipated one isFord’s debut in the MCU as the new Thunderbolt Ross — a role he takes over from William Hurt.
Recasting isn’t exactly new to the MCU. While the franchise primarily maintains a single continuity, Kevin Feige’s creation has seen its fair share of swapping actors for all sorts of reasons. One of, if not the most prominent example of the phenomenon wasMark Ruffalo replacing Edward Norton as the franchise’s Bruce Banner/Hulk. Recasting hasn’t been that big of a deal in the MCU recently because of the exploration of the multiverse. That said, when it comes to the Sacred Timeline, Marvel Studios still needs to maintain the established canon. So, they still need to be mindful of them.
Harrison Ford’s Ross Recasting Uses Iron Man 2’s Rhodey Trick
Sam Comments On How Different Ford’s Ross Looks In The New Captain America: Brave New World Trailer
After months of waiting, the firstCaptain America: Brave New Worldtrailerhas officially been released. It offers the debut look at Ford’s Ross, who meets Sam early on in the promotional clip. What’s overlooked is the way that the characters first encounter each other and how it’s reminiscent of a particular scene in MCU Phase 1. AsSam greets the new Ross, he comments on how he looks different, which is a meta-comment for the recasting. Ford’s character replies that he was forced to get rid of the mustache — a key aspect of Hurt’s version of the character.
Acknowledging the recasting inCaptain America: Brave New Worldearly on is Marvel Studios' oldest trick when it comes to recasting. It dates back to whenDon Cheadle took over the role of James “Rhodey” Rhodesfrom Terrence Howard inIron Man 2. During the character’s entrance, Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark welcomed him with a quizzical look on his face. Before the genius, billionaire Avenger could comment,Cheadle’s Rhodey declared:“Look, it’s me, I’m here, deal with it. Let’s move on.“It’s an effective way to deal with the matter because it gets the issue out of the way.
Why Thaddeus Ross Was Recast With Harrison Ford In The MCU
Ford’s recasting as Ross comes from Hurt’s unfortunate passingin 2022 due to prostate cancer. TheKiss Of The Spider Womanactor debuted the role in 2008’sThe Incredible Hulkand went on to play the character four more times until his death. His last outing as Ross was in Cate Shortland and Scarlett Johansson’sBlack Widowfilm which was released in 2021. Now, Ford will take over the role as he grows prominence in the MCU by being thenew President of the United Stateswho butt heads with Sam’s Captain America inCaptain America: Brave New World.
Captain America: Brave New World
Cast
Captain America: Brave New World (formerly titledNew World Order)marks Sam Wilson’s first MCU big-screen appearance as Steve Rogers' successor after receiving the suit and shield in Phase 4’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Anthony Mackie returns as the titular Avenger alongside Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Carl Lumby as Isaiah Bradley, and Tim Blake Nelson as The Incredible Hulk’s former ally Samuel Sterns. Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.After meeting President Thaddeus Ross, Sam is caught in a global crisis. He must expose the mastermind behind a sinister plot before the world descends into turmoil. Captain America: Brave New World marks the big-screen debut of Sam Wilson as Captain America, and Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut, replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.
