Captain America: New World Order will feature some big changes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one being a bit of a career callback for Harrison Ford's debut as Thunderbolt Ross. The upcoming film already has a lot going for it, with Anthony Mackie as the new Cap. Now audiences can also look forward to seeing an oddly familiar Commander-in-Chief.
The legendary actor's take on the gruff general will get a sizable promotion to President of the United States in Captain America: New World Order. When Ford took over the role of Thunderbolt Ross after previous actor William Hurt tragically passed away in 2022, many were excited about the possibilities stemming from the star of films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones joining the MCU. Those who enjoyed his work in films like Air Force One will finally see him as the President again. Fittingly, it turns out Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige is a fan of Ford's work.
"We start filming relatively soon," Feige said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "I'm sure anyone you've ever talked with about Harrison Ford says this, but it's unbelievable that we get to meet and talk with him and that he's embracing this role. He's tireless with the amount of work that he does. This is certainly a big part for Thaddeus Ross." It's hard not to imagine the excitement that would permeate any project in which Ford happens to be taking part. As funny as his seemingly grouchy exterior tends to be, he has a passion for what he does, and he's darn good at it. But what about how he fits into the story itself?
"He's the President of the United States in the film," Feige continued, possibly explaining why Ford so readily took the Thunderbolt Ross role. "And with Harrison, you think about Air Force One, and you think about some of his confrontations with the President in Clear and Present Danger. There's a dynamic between President Ross and Sam Wilson. They have a history together, but in this film, we'll be seeing the dynamic between Captain America and the President of the United States in a way that is just incredible."
Seeing Mackie's Sam Wilson/Captain America bantering with a beloved star like Ford is probably enough to entice anybody even mildly curious about the film. Some fans may have criticized the MCU's dialogue style in recent years, but it's hard to deny that it works more often than it doesn't. Of course, Ford isn't exactly the first face in anyone's mind when they think of the quippy chats seen in most MCU projects. So maybe this one will change things up a bit.
However the dialogue situation turns out, a pretty sizable chunk of the audience will likely feel some warm and fuzzy nostalgia when they see Ford again playing the President on the big screen. Now all that's left is for Bucky Barnes to appear so he can fight a one-armed man.
Captain America: New World Order is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 3rd, 2024.
Source: Entertainment Weekly