The anticipation and intrigue surrounding "Captain America: Brave New World," Marvel's new and eagerly awaited superhero film opening tomorrow, could have – and perhaps should have – centered on the matter of replacing the actor who plays its lead character.
After years in which the Captain was essentially the heroic embodiment of Steve Rogers (played by actor Chris Evans), the armor and suit of the all-American hero was inherited in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" series by his protégé Sam Wilson, portrayed by black actor Anthony Mackie ("8 Mile," "Pain & Gain").
In an era of political correctness and black representation in key Hollywood roles, Marvel's decision to cast an African American actor in one of its most important and veteran superhero roles is no small matter. However, with Israeli actress Shira Haas also in the cast, the fact that Captain America is being portrayed for the first time by a black actor has become almost secondary. Moreover, the fact that iconic actor Harrison Ford is a central part of the film's cast has become the main topic of conversation.
Ford plays Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, the US President who is also, of course, the Red Hulk in the film. Beyond impressions about Ford choosing to perform some of his own stunts, it's hard to ignore that this certainly isn't the first time the actor has stepped into the shoes of a US president, following his iconic role in "Air Force One" (1997).
When asked what quality causes directors to cast him as the leader of the free world, he can't help but laugh. "Oh yes, that has definitely happened before," he told Israel Hayom. "I don't know if anyone ever really looked at me and said 'he needs to play the president,' but I think they said something like 'he can play the president.' Because we've seen throughout history there's a wide range of presidents, all kinds of people have sat behind the US leader's desk, and some were considered good presidents and some were judged poorly."
"This isn't a movie about a good or bad president, but in this film the president is part of the story. This isn't an instruction manual for the current president. It's simply a story about a group of people in tight suits who can fly, as part of the wonderful imagination that the Marvel Cinematic Universe provides. It's primarily an escape from reality."
Many thought that the fact Ford plays both the American president and the Red Hulk in "Brave New World" hints at a comparison between him and the recently re-elected Donald Trump, as part of the filmmakers' critique of where America is heading. But Ford denies this. "There's no truth to that. Nothing. Zero. It's a movie," he emphasized. "The idea that this character is connected to reality is incorrect. It's entertainment, and it's not based on any current political reality."
Q: Have you ever received offers to play a superhero throughout your long career?
"I've never been offered a flying suit or superpowers. I guess I'm only qualified to play the president, without powers. This is definitely a different situation for me, acting in a Marvel movie. I wanted to be part of a film intended for a different type of audience than I've ever had the opportunity to address before and tell a story to. I saw how successful these films are and how much Marvel Cinematic Universe fans enjoy them, and I thought to myself that this would be an interesting thing to explore. I was offered a role that sparked my imagination and it was a great pleasure."
An incredible opportunity
Anthony Mackie, the new Captain, also jumped at the chance to lead a film from one of Hollywood's strongest movie brands for the first time. Especially with one of his most admired actors by his side. "It's an incredible opportunity, not just because of race, but also because of Captain America's characteristics," he said. "He represents the good in all of us, human decency and loyalty. So carrying this character's shield has a lot of meaning for me, it's a great honor."
Q: And you couldn't pass up the opportunity to act alongside a legendary actor.
"We acted together many years ago in a film called 'Hollywood Homicide' that Harrison probably won't talk about. When I met Julius [Onah, the film's director] we put together a list of actors who could act in this film, and Harrison was on it. It was an incredible opportunity to work alongside such an icon, an actor with 50 years of experience. Harrison is a man of few words, but when he speaks it has meaning. He gave advice on set and contributed with his presence."
