Harrison Ford isn’t mincing words when it comes to his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a recent interview with Variety, a reporter asked the legendary actor whether Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige had convinced him to return for another MCU project — specifically as the Red Hulk.
Ford’s response? A curt and unmistakable:
“Nope.”
This brief but powerful reply has left fans speculating about the Red Hulk’s fate and whether Ross will play a role in Marvel’s upcoming Avengers: Doomsday or other projects.
Ford Reflects on His Role as Red Hulk
Before this surprising statement, Ford had spoken more hopefully about Red Hulk’s trajectory in the MCU. When asked about the character’s future, he previously said:
“I hope he can come back. Hopefully, there’s a story in which he develops into something more than just the Red Hulk. The capacity to shift between Hulkness and humanity exists, but that’s not really my department. Still, I was very happy with the opportunity to play in this playground.”
Ford made his debut as Thaddeus Ross in Captain America: Brave New World, replacing the late William Hurt. His transformation into the Red Hulk was a major plot point — one that thrilled longtime Marvel fans.
However, the film drew mixed reactions. Although many praised Ford’s performance, critics called out the movie for its uneven pacing and lackluster CGI. Despite the polarizing reception, many believed the ending left the door open for Ross to return in future installments.
Will Red Hulk Return in Future MCU Projects?
Although Brave New World left Ross’ story unresolved, fans had high expectations that Red Hulk might return in Avengers: Doomsday or even in Thunderbolts. But judging by Ford’s firm response, that possibility seems less likely than fans had hoped.
Even so, Marvel Studios has a reputation for bringing back characters in unexpected ways. With the multiverse now central to the MCU’s storytelling, it’s entirely possible that an alternate version of Ross — or even Red Hulk himself — could reappear through a variant storyline.
Additionally, the Thunderbolts team, long associated with Ross in Marvel Comics, is still being developed for the screen. While nothing has been confirmed, this connection keeps the potential for a Red Hulk comeback alive.
Fans React to Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk Statement
Ford’s comment sparked immediate debate across social media. Some fans expressed disappointment at his apparent disinterest in continuing the role, while others admired his honesty and directness.
Meanwhile, Marvel enthusiasts noted that Ford, at 83 years old, has already made an impressive contribution to the franchise. His version of Ross added political gravitas and an unpredictable intensity that elevated the character far beyond his earlier appearances.
Harrison Ford Isn’t Retiring Anytime Soon
Even if Ford’s time as Red Hulk is over, the veteran actor is showing no signs of slowing down. In the same interview, he was asked if he planned to retire anytime soon.
“No. That’s one of the things I thought was attractive about the job of an actor, was that they need old people, too, to play old people’s parts.”
This response is as classic Ford as it gets — blunt, self-aware, and brimming with purpose. As a result, while we may not see Red Hulk smashing into action again soon, fans can rest assured that Ford will continue to light up the screen in other ways.
With Ford seemingly stepping back, the future of Red Hulk in the MCU remains uncertain. Marvel could recast the role again, explore it through animation, or even shift focus to other gamma-powered characters like She-Hulk or Skaar. Nevertheless, the Red Hulk remains a powerful figure within Marvel lore — and one fans still want to see fully explored on screen. Whether it’s through Ford or a new face, the legacy of Thunderbolt Ross and his transformation is far from over.
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