Harrison Ford Says It Is “Silly” For Actors to Avoid Marvel

At 82 years old, Harrison Ford is ready to conquer the next frontier when he officially joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for next year’s Captain America: Brave New World.

Long known for his surly demeanor, Ford has sounded downright giddy about joining the MCU as Thunderbolt Ross/Red Hulk. In August, the Hollywood icon was on stage at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event to promote the film, joking with the crowd and beaming with delight.

Source: New York Times

While other Hollywood luminaries have bemoaned the rise of the MCU and the effect that Marvel’s dominance has had on the film industry, Ford has a more nuanced take on the situation.’

“I Understand the Appeal of Other Kinds of Films”

In a recent interview with GQ, Ford said it would be “silly” to avoid Marvel, as theatergoers clearly appreciate the product.

“I mean, this is the Marvel universe and I’m just there on a weekend pass. I’m a sailor new to this town,” Ford explained. “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.”

Photo: Disney

When discussing the changes to the movie industry as a whole, Ford showed surprising flexibility.

“It’s the condition our condition is in, and things change and morph and go on. 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.”

Are Movie Stars Dead?

Finally, when reminded that Quentin Tarantino famously claimed that Marvel’s rise has led to the death of the movie star, Ford was quick to dismiss the claim.

Photo: Marvel

“Oh, I think it’s rubbish,” he said before elaborating.

“I don’t think the question is whether or not there are any movie stars. There’s wonderful actors coming up every day,” Ford continued.

Photo: NY Post

“Whether or not they become movie stars is really not the point. If movies need stars, they will find them. 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.”

The Defense of Marvel Continues

In the last couple of weeks, Sebastian Stan, Elizabeth Olsen, and now Harrison Ford have defended the Marvel films and the impact that they have had on the industry.

Perhaps more surprising, however, is Ford’s embrace of the MCU.

Photo: NY Post

“These guys could all do that really well. I had the best time. I had seen other actors in the Marvel universe, well respected, really good actors, have a really good time, and I said, ‘I want me some of that.’ And I got some,” he told The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year.

Captain America: Brave New World will hit theaters on February 14, 2025.

Image: Parade