Harrison Ford Is Officially Joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe

It’s official. Oscar nominee Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones franchise) will be taking over the Marvel role of General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, beginning with Phase 5 title Captain America: New World Order. He’ll star there opposite Anthony Mackie, with Shira Haas, Tim Blake Nelson and Carl Lumbly also amongst the ensemble.

Ford’s Captain America casting had been in the rumor mill for some time, with The Ankler’s Jeff Sneider among those speaking to it of late. While the new film’s plot is being kept under wraps, Mackie will reprise his role as Sam Wilson, who assumed the mantle of Captain America in Disney+’s hit series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Julius Onah will serve as the pic’s director.

Ford is replacing William Hurt, who passed away in March. Harrison Ford is obviously the man and I think this is a great role for him. Much better than having to do kinetic stuff like Expendables, anyway. Ross isn't a huge character and his screen time will probably be limited to barking a few orders to agents and Captain America himself. 

The plot details for this movie is under wraps, but it's worth noting that the Captain America movies are probably the best sub-group within the MCU. The First Avenger is solid, The Winter Soldier is incredible, and Civil War was obviously a massive success. There are two important things to note, though. It won't have the OG Captain America (Chris Evans) or the Russo Brothers directing. They did a solid job prepping Falcon to take up the mantle as the new Captain America but the new director, Julius Onah, is a bit more of a wildcard. He made a real stinky movie in 'The Cloverfield Paradox' and a solid one in 'Luce'. I don't know that either of those warrant directing a movie that will have as uphill a battle as this one will. 

Personally, I am more excited to see Ford return as Indiana Jones. I know a lot of you are hesitant over that and I totally understand. Indy 4 for an abomination that had him doing WAY too much for a guy his age. However, Indy 5 is the sign off for the character and I'm not sure if there is a better man to direct it than James Mangold. He recently made one of the greatest character sign-offs ever in 'Logan' and I see no reason why that success can't translate over to Indy*.

* They obviously brought wolverine back for Deadpool 3 BUT that is a different timeline so whatever.