Harrison Ford says Marvel isn’t destroying movie stars: “It’s rubbish”
At age 82, Harrison Ford might be the actor most familiar with the blockbuster format. He’s played Han Solo and Indiana Jones for decades and is now stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, unquestionably the biggest franchise in modern cinema.
It was previously confirmed that Ford will play Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, otherwise known as Red Hulk, in Captain American: Brave New World, which is set for release in 2025. Many actors often come under fire when they join the MCU, but Ford has defended his decision, saying that it would be “silly” to avoid Marvel movies.
“I mean, this is the Marvel universe and I’m just there on a weekend pass. I’m a sailor new to this town,” said Ford during a recent interview with GQ. “I understand the appeal of other kinds of films besides the kind we made in the ‘80s and ‘90s. I don’t have anything general to say about it.”
Ford continued, defending his choice to join the MCU: “We’re silly if we sit around regretting the change and don’t participate. I’m participating in a new part of the business that, for me at least, I think is really producing some good experiences for an audience. I enjoy that.”
Ford was then asked about the concept of “the death of the movie star”. Previously, directors like Quentin Tarantino stated that Marvel movies led to the death of movie stars because they became more recognisable for their roles in superhero movies. For instance, an actor like Chris Evans is more recognisable as Captain America than in any of his other roles.
“Oh, I think it’s rubbish,” said Ford, rebuking the notion, “I don’t think the question is whether or not there are any movie stars. There’s wonderful actors coming up every day […] Whether or not they become movie stars is really not the point. If movies need stars, they will find them.”
Ford continued, “I’ve never fucking understood being a movie star. I’m an actor. I tell stories. I’m part of a group of people who work together, collaborate on telling stories. I’m an assistant storyteller. That’s what I am.”
Ford also commented on his upcoming appearance on Apple TV+’s comedy Shrinking. This will be one of the first times that Ford has fully cemented himself in a comedic role; however, he doesn’t see it that way. “As far as I’m concerned, everything I’ve ever done is a comedy,” he said.
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