Harrison Ford CONFIRMED TO JOIN Thunderbolts*, the appearance of RED HULK will be the most prominent person in the story to open the premise for phase 6 of MCU
In a thrilling twist for Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans, Harrison Ford is officially confirmed to join the cast of *Thunderbolts**, set to hit theaters on May 2, 2025. The legendary actor, who made his MCU debut as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in *Captain America: Brave New World* earlier this month, will reprise his role as the rage-fueled Red Hulk, promising to steal the spotlight in this antihero ensemble flick. As of February 28, 2025, this news has ignited excitement across the fandom, with insiders hinting that Red Hulk’s appearance will not only dominate the storyline but also lay crucial groundwork for Phase 6 of the MCU, including the highly anticipated *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Avengers: Secret Wars*. Ford’s hulking presence could be the key to bridging Phase 5’s chaotic close with the multiversal mayhem ahead.
The confirmation came via a flurry of posts on X and industry reports following *Captain America: Brave New World*’s theatrical release on February 14. Ford’s Red Hulk, a gamma-powered beast born from a plot twist involving Samuel Sterns’ (The Leader) experimental “miracle pills,” left audiences stunned as he clashed with Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson. While initial speculation pegged his MCU stint as a one-off, scooper MyTimeToShineHello dropped a bombshell on February 15, stating, “Harrison Ford already signed to reprise role as Ross/Red Hulk in an upcoming project!” Though *Thunderbolts** wasn’t explicitly named at first, subsequent leaks and Kevin Feige’s cryptic comments at a recent press junket solidified the connection, pointing to Ford’s return in this May blockbuster.
*Thunderbolts** already boasts a stacked lineup: Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. The asterisk in the title—teased since San Diego Comic-Con 2024—hints at an evolving team dynamic, and Ford’s Red Hulk is poised to be the wildcard that shakes it up. Test screenings earlier this month raved about the film’s gritty tone and jaw-dropping action, with one viewer calling it “the best in Phase 5.” Now, with Red Hulk confirmed as the story’s linchpin, the stakes feel even higher. Rumors suggest he’ll emerge as a reluctant ally—or formidable foe—after the events of *Brave New World*, where his transformation left him disgraced yet dangerously powerful.
Ford’s casting is a coup for Marvel, especially after he stepped into the role following William Hurt’s passing in 2022. At 82, the *Star Wars* and *Indiana Jones* icon brings a gravitas that elevates Red Hulk beyond a mere brute. In a recent *Empire* interview, Ford hinted at the character’s complexity, noting how Ross grapples with his monstrous alter ego—a struggle that could play a pivotal role in *Thunderbolts**’s narrative. Director Jake Schreier, known for *Paper Towns*, reportedly tailored scenes to showcase Ford’s physicality, with motion-capture work (handled by stunt performer TJ Storm) blending seamlessly with CGI to create a Red Hulk that’s both terrifying and tragic. Fans on X are buzzing, with one post declaring, “Red Hulk vs. Yelena and Bucky? This is gonna be insane!”
The timing couldn’t be more critical for the MCU. Phase 5 has been a rollercoaster, with *Deadpool & Wolverine* soaring past $1 billion while *Brave New World* stumbled domestically, earning $289.4 million against a $425 million break-even point. *Thunderbolts** needs to deliver, and Red Hulk’s prominence could be the ticket. In the comics, Thunderbolt Ross famously led the Thunderbolts, a team of reformed villains and antiheroes, and while Feige once downplayed Ross’s involvement in this iteration, Ford’s confirmed return suggests a pivot. Theories abound that his presence ties into Valentina’s scheme—perhaps as a weapon she can’t fully control—setting up a power struggle that reverberates into Phase 6.
Phase 6, kicking off with *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* in July 2025, promises to escalate the Multiverse Saga, culminating in *Avengers: Doomsday* (May 2026) and *Avengers: Secret Wars* (May 2027). Red Hulk’s role could bridge these chapters by introducing a gamma-powered wildcard into the multiversal fray. Posts on X speculate he’ll face off against Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk in *Doomsday*, a clash Ford himself teased in a *GamesRadar+* interview, saying he hopes not to “disappoint” his green counterpart. Others predict a redemption arc, with Ross aiding the Thunderbolts against a bigger threat—perhaps Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom—tying his story to the Avengers’ endgame.
The implications are massive. *Thunderbolts**’s test-screening hype already hinted at a third-act twist—Sentry’s descent into The Void—and Red Hulk’s arrival could amplify that chaos, positioning him as a pivotal figure in Valentina’s unraveling plans. Ford’s commitment, despite his age, speaks volumes; he told *CinemaBlend* that filming his transformation was “an amusing day at the office,” suggesting he’s in for the long haul. With reshoots scheduled for March, per Daniel Richtman, Marvel seems intent on perfecting this Red Hulk-centric narrative.
For fans, Ford’s Red Hulk is more than a gimmick—it’s a promise of spectacle and story depth. After Phase 5’s uneven run, *Thunderbolts** could be the shot in the arm the MCU needs, and Red Hulk’s towering presence might just redefine the franchise’s trajectory. As May 2 nears, the question isn’t just who survives the Thunderbolts’ mission—it’s how Harrison Ford’s crimson colossus will shape the MCU’s future. One thing’s certain: when Red Hulk roars, Phase 6 will feel the tremors.
