Even though there are a lot of Marvel Cinematic Universe movies on the horizon, there are only a few set to come out in the immediate future. The first of those is Deadpool and Wolverine, which took center stage at this year's CinemaCon event. But after that, we have Captain America: Brave New World.
The fourth movie in the Captain America saga, Brave New World stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, the former Falcon who now takes over the mantle of The Star-Spangled Man from his longtime friend Steve Rogers. It's been in the works since the series it was spun out of, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, concluded on Disney Plus, and with its February 2025 release date, it isn't too far away now.
Even so, Marvel surprised CinemaCon attendees by offering up a first look at the movie before releasing two first look photos online. One of those photos confirmed the film's major recast of an MCU legend.
Captain America 4 first look reveals Harrison Ford's General Ross
Shortly after CinemaCon descriptions made their way online, describing some of the footage that was showcased at the event, Entertainment Weekly revealed some first look images from Captain America: Brave New World. Both feature Anthony Mackie's Cap, while one gives us the first look at Harrison Ford as General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross.
First look at Anthony Mackie as Captain America and Harrison Ford as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross in CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD.
— Bam Smack Pow (@BamSmackPow) April 12, 2024
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Ford steps into the role for the first time in the film, replacing the late William Hurt, who passed away in 2022.
As the photo showcases, he sports a different look from Hurt's incarnation, the most notable difference being the lack of mustache. According to IGN's report of the footage shown at CinemaCon, this will be directly referenced in the film, as Ross - who is now President of the United States - will remark that he had to "lose the mustache or lose the election".
He will also reportedly tell Sam that he needs Captain America to reassemble The Avengers. That's not only confirmation that the team of Earth's Mightiest Heroes is no longer operational, it is a major U-turn for the character who once wanted the heroes to sign the Sokovia Accords and attempted to arrest all of those who didn't.
Ross is one of the longest-standing characters in the MCU, making his first appearance in the franchise's second film The Incredible Hulk. As movies go, that was probably the one in which he played the biggest role, but Hurt would reprise the role years later in Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow.
The MCU will certainly miss Hurt's larger-than-life performance, but we have no doubt that Harrison Ford will deliver a memorable performance that stays true to the legendary character.
Captain America: Brave New World arrives in movie theaters on February 14, 2025.