Harrison Ford’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in Captain America: Brave New World has been one of the most anticipated developments in the franchise. Known for his iconic roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Ford brings a gravitas and intensity to the character that promises to redefine the MCU’s landscape. But what’s even more intriguing is how Ford’s portrayal of Ross, particularly in his transformation into the Red Hulk, draws inspiration from the classic horror-comedy An American Werewolf in London. This unexpected influence adds a layer of depth and complexity to the character, blending the MCU’s signature action with a touch of horror and psychological tension.
In Captain America: Brave New World, Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross undergoes a dramatic transformation into the Red Hulk, a storyline that has been teased in the comics for years. The Red Hulk is a more aggressive and volatile version of the traditional Hulk, with a fiery red hue and a personality to match. To bring this transformation to life, Ford and the film’s creative team looked to An American Werewolf in London, a 1981 cult classic directed by John Landis. The film, which masterfully blends horror and humor, is renowned for its groundbreaking transformation sequences and its exploration of the psychological toll of becoming a monster.
Ford explained in a recent interview how the film influenced his approach to the role. “When I first read the script, I was struck by the parallels between Ross’s transformation and David’s journey in An American Werewolf in London,” he said. “Both characters are grappling with this uncontrollable change, this sense of losing themselves to something primal and terrifying. I wanted to capture that same sense of dread and vulnerability, while also embracing the raw power that comes with it.”
The transformation sequences in An American Werewolf in London are legendary for their visceral intensity and emotional weight. David Naughton’s character, David Kessler, undergoes a painful and horrifying metamorphosis into a werewolf, a process that is both physically excruciating and psychologically devastating. Ford and the Captain America: Brave New World team sought to replicate this sense of realism and emotional depth in Ross’s transformation into the Red Hulk.
“We wanted the audience to feel the weight of what Ross is going through,” Ford explained. “It’s not just about the physical change—it’s about the emotional and psychological toll. He’s a man who’s spent his life trying to control everything around him, and now he’s losing control of himself. That’s a terrifying place to be, and we wanted to capture that in a way that feels authentic and grounded.”
To achieve this, the film’s visual effects team studied the practical effects used in An American Werewolf in London, which were revolutionary for their time. The werewolf transformation scene, created by special effects artist Rick Baker, remains a benchmark for practical effects in cinema. For Captain America: Brave New World, the team combined cutting-edge CGI with practical effects to create a transformation sequence that is both visually stunning and emotionally impactful.
“We wanted to honor the legacy of An American Werewolf in London while also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with modern technology,” said the film’s director, Julius Onah. “Harrison’s performance was key to making it work. He brought so much intensity and vulnerability to the role, and that really comes through in the transformation scenes.”
Ford’s portrayal of Ross also draws on the themes of duality and identity that are central to An American Werewolf in London. In the film, David struggles to reconcile his human self with his monstrous alter ego, a conflict that mirrors Ross’s own internal battle. As the Red Hulk, Ross is a force of nature, but he’s also a man haunted by his choices and his past. Ford’s performance captures this duality, showcasing both the character’s ferocity and his humanity.
“Ross is a complicated guy,” Ford said. “He’s not a traditional hero or villain—he’s somewhere in between. He’s driven by a sense of duty and a desire to protect his country, but he’s also willing to make morally questionable decisions to achieve his goals. Becoming the Red Hulk amplifies those contradictions, and that’s what makes him such a fascinating character to play.”
The influence of An American Werewolf in London extends beyond the transformation sequences to the film’s tone and atmosphere. Captain America: Brave New World incorporates elements of horror and suspense, creating a sense of unease that sets it apart from other MCU films. The Red Hulk’s presence adds a layer of unpredictability and danger, making him a formidable antagonist—or perhaps anti-hero—in the story.
“We wanted to push the boundaries of what a Marvel movie can be,” Onah said. “By drawing on the horror elements of An American Werewolf in London, we were able to create a film that feels fresh and exciting, while still staying true to the spirit of the MCU.”
Ford’s performance as the Red Hulk is also informed by his own experiences as an actor. Known for his rugged, no-nonsense persona, Ford brings a sense of gravitas and authenticity to the role. His portrayal of Ross is both commanding and vulnerable, capturing the character’s complexity in a way that resonates with audiences.
“I’ve always been drawn to characters who are flawed and human,” Ford said. “Ross is a man who’s made a lot of mistakes, but he’s also someone who’s trying to do the right thing. That’s a really interesting place to be as an actor, and it’s been a lot of fun to explore that in the context of the MCU.”
As Captain America: Brave New World prepares to hit theaters, fans are eagerly anticipating Ford’s debut as the Red Hulk. The film promises to be a bold and ambitious addition to the MCU, blending action, drama, and horror in a way that feels both familiar and new. By leaning into the legacy of An American Werewolf in London, Ford and the creative team have crafted a character and a story that are sure to leave a lasting impact.
In the end, Ford’s Red Hulk is more than just a monster—he’s a reflection of the human condition, a reminder that even the strongest among us are not immune to fear, doubt, and vulnerability. It’s a testament to Ford’s talent and the power of storytelling that such a larger-than-life character can feel so deeply relatable. As the MCU continues to evolve, Captain America: Brave New World and Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk are poised to take it to thrilling new heights.