“The shield has been passed”: Harrison Ford and cast on Captain America – Brave New World

Bringing together its all-star cast and creative team to discuss the next chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the global press conference for Captain America: Brave New World – set for release on Valentine’s Day – featured insights from lead actors Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Blake Nelson, and Xosha Roquemore, alongside director Julius Onah, producer Nate Moore and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.

Making his highly anticipated Marvel debut as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross – the newly-elected president of the United States who seeks an alliance with Captain America – Ford spoke about his experience stepping into a universe filled with larger-than-life characters. When asked about transforming into the Red Hulk, Ford admitted with a laugh, “I just went for it, and nobody stopped me.”

His enthusiasm for the role was apparent as he reflected on the legacy of the character, originally portrayed by the late William Hurt. “I was honoured to be able to do my work on top of a foundation that a wonderful actor, Bill Hurt, provided for the character,” he said, adding that he believes there is more to explore: “I think we have the capacity to shift shape between Hulkness and humanity.”

The legendary actor and mega-franchise veteran expressed admiration for the cinematic universe’s world-building, stating “I was very happy with the opportunity to play in this playground – what an amazing group of people to work with, and what an imaginative reality.” His excitement for the role extended beyond the action sequences, as he emphasised the film’s emotional depth and the human elements that make the MCU resonate with audiences.

Director Julius Onah also shed light on the film’s central themes, noting, “The theme at the core of this story, which everyone at Marvel and this cast leaned into, is the notion of empathy – of seeing the best in each other,” and noting that “the superpower of this Captain America is his empathy,” a sentiment that resonated strongly with the cast.

Anthony Mackie, now leading the franchise as Sam Wilson after taking up the mantle of Captain America, echoed Onah’s enthusiasm, sharing, “This movie establishes Sam as his own being, his own entity or incarnation of Captain America – the fact that he’s never taken the serum, the fact that he’s every man’s Captain America.”

Giancarlo Esposito, who joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sidewinder, leader of the mysterious Serpent Society, praised Mackie’s portrayal of Captain America, highlighting the film’s messages about leadership and integrity: “I see someone I want to follow – and in our world today, we want to follow someone who is in service to other human beings.”

With Captain America: Brave New World set to be Marvel’s first major event of the year, excitement is at an all-time high. Feige summed up the project’s significance: “The shield has been passed, and it feels like the audience knows it was to the right person – I think this movie will solidify that more.”

Christina Yang

Captain America: Brave New World is released nationwide on 14^th February 2025.

Watch the trailer for Captain America: Brave New World here: