I don't want to break it to anyone here, but acting is a profession like any other – people get into it because (hopefully) they have talent and skill, of course, but they also like to make money. Who knew! It's easy to fall for the PR hype and believe that every star who joins a Star Wars or superhero movie is doing it solely for the love of the game. Of course, this rarely happens, no matter how Serious and sincere, Aubrey Plaza may sound like she's playing the unhinged witch in Agatha All Along. After all, even the biggest nerd in the world can't sustain a paycheck that comes with all those zeros.
So when /Film first reported that Harrison Ford would be cosplaying as General newly elected President William “Thunderbolt” Ross in “Captain America: Brave New World,” the internet immediately lost its mind upon hearing this turn of events. However, upon closer inspection, it made some sense. Of course, a world-famous movie star who rose to fame on franchises like “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” wouldn't turn up his nose at our closest modern equivalent: the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a new profile with GQFord, he now talks about why he joined the biggest hit game in town, and his logic is downright refreshing:
“I understand the appeal of different types of films than what we made in the 80s and 90s. I don't have anything general to say about it. This is the state we are in, and everything changes, changes and moves on. We will be stupid if we regret this change and do not take part in it. I'm involved in a new part of the business that, at least for me, really provides a good experience for the viewers, enjoy it.”
Harrison Ford joined the MCU for a good while, but not for long
Movie purists may long for the golden age of cinema, when visionary filmmakers and top movie stars were able to turn thrilling adult films like “The Fugitive” and “Presumed Innocent” into critical darlings and box office hits – exactly the kind of films that harkens back to his role in the '80s and '90s, but those halcyon days may be behind us. That won't stop people like me from lamenting the dismal state of affairs these days, with big-budget franchises still ruling the roost, of course, but at least some of those who lived through Hollywood's heyday have a healthier perspective on where we find ourselves now.
Count Harrison Ford is one of those who understands that film is an ever-changing industry, and those who don't keep up will be doomed to be left behind. This mentality led directly to his involvement in “Captain America: Brave New World.” On the other hand, it's one thing to put on a three-piece suit and introduce the President of the United States, as anyone who has watched “Air Force One” can attest. He's been there and done that. It's a completely different matter to intentionally take on a role that also involves transforming into the CGI monster known as Red Hulk. Just don't ask him to delve into the comic book canon in detail. As Ford has shown in his earlier comments on Star Wars, he's just here for a good time, not necessarily for a long time. He then began to explain:
“I mean, it's the Marvel universe and I'm just there for a weekend pass. I'm a new sailor in this town. Show me the way home.”
That's the kind of honesty I can respect. I, for one, can't wait to see Ford shoot from the hip with even more bluntness during his global press tour for Marvel. “Captain America: Brave New World” will hit theaters on February 14, 2025.
