Harrison Ford Expresses No Concerns about Joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe
As Marvel enters its fifth phase of films and TV shows, fans and actors alike have expressed growing pains with the comic book cinematic universe. While many people's disapproval with the MCU's ubiquity in pop culture stems from the decline in quality after Avengers: Endgame, another source of frustration is with the mundane nature of the MCU's casting announcements, which once sparked internet fervor, now feeling like an obligatory duty for both well-established and up-and-coming actors. In an unexpected development, Hollywood's crankiest endearing actor, Harrison Ford, has come forward to challenge the prejudice against actors in Marvel films.
During a recent chat with GQ, Ford reminisced on his iconic roles in pop culture icons like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Blade Runner. The 82-year-old actor also reflected on his upcoming role as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (aka Red Hulk) in the upcoming Marvel film Captain America: Brave New World. When asked about his guarded responses at press events, which GQ noted were unusual for any other Marvel actor, Ford responded with nonchalance, saying that it wasn't a deep concern.
“I mean, this is the Marvel universe, and I’m just here as a weekend visitor. I’m a stranger in this town. Can you show me the way back home,” Ford told GQ.
Ford elaborated on his comment, addressing the notion that actors avoid the Marvel Cinematic Universe as their next creative venture due to fear of compromising their talents. This discussion has gained traction following comments from directors like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, who've grappled with whether the MCU is cinema or merely a box office attraction designed solely to generate income rather than (as Coppola put it) “illuminate contemporary life.”
“I comprehend the allure of films outside the genre we made in the ’80s and ’90s. I don’t have anything general to say about it. It’s the state of our situation, and things evolve and alter, and that’s just how it is. We’re foolish if we lament the change and refuse to participate. I’m participating in a new facet of the industry that, for me at least, I think is producing some rewarding experiences for the audience. I enjoy that,” Ford said.
Despite Ford's grumbling when fans and the press ask him about theories about Star Wars and Indiana Jones, his comprehensive answer touches on the primary reason why actors like himself accept roles: to create new, exhilarating experiences for moviegoers. Regarding his involvement in projects like the MCU, Ford attributes it to excellent scriptwriting.
“It’s the quality of the writing. It doesn’t matter what the genre is. It doesn’t matter whether it’s on television or in movies. It’s the writing, it’s the story, it’s the character, it’s the emotional response for the audience or myself. It’s individuals I have some feeling I’d like to work with, or it’s a quality opportunity,” Ford said, adding, “I suppose I should be stationary, but I actually cherish working.”
Ford's measured defense of his involvement in the MCU isn't to indicate that his resume will exclusively include larger-than-life comic book adaptations. In fact, at New York Comic Con 2024, it was announced that Ford will return for the third season of the Apple+ comedy show Shrinking alongside co-star Jason Segel.
For those eager to witness Ford delivering fierce expressions as Red Hulk, they can look forward to Captain America: Brave New World when it hits theaters on Valentine's Day.
If you're interested in learning about the latest releases for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, what's in store for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who, check out our coverage.
In the same vein of discourse about the future of Hollywood and the role of Marvel in it, tech publication IO9 highlighted Ford's comments, seeing them as a potential turning point in the perception of actors joining the MCU. With the advancements in technology, the way movies are made and distributed has changed significantly, and some actors, like Ford, are embracing these changes to bring fresh experiences to audiences.
