Several weeks ago, rumors swirled around the possibility of Harrison Ford stepping into the role of a high-profile general. Those whispers have gained substance, and Ford is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Slash Film outlines Ford’s first appearance in Captain America: The New World Order. The film, directed by Julius Ona h, is scheduled for a May 1, 2024 release and marks the debut of Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, who now carries the shield as Captain America. Ford’s involvement deepens his long-standing relationship with Disney, a connector between Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and the broader Marvel landscape.
The cast expands to include Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow II), Wyatt Russell (John Walker/US Agent), Jake Schreier directing and Eric Pearson writing. Hannah John-Kamen appears as Ava/Ghost, with David Harbor cast as Red Guardian, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and Sebastian Stan returning as Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier. The film is slated for a July 2024 arrival in theaters.
Ford is not the first actor to take on General Thaddeus E. Ross in the MCU. The character previously appeared as portrayed by William Hurt, who passed away in March 2022 after appearances in The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow. Sam Elliott has also given life to the character in a prior Hulk film released in 2003.
Created by the legendary duo Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, General Ross first appeared in The Incredible Hulk comic series in 1962. The character is typically an adversary of the Hulk, and there is a longstanding, sometimes surprising, personal connection to Bruce Banner that enriches his role within the broader MCU mythology.