The new trailer of Captain America: Brave New World saw the MCU debut of Harrison Ford. The veteran will play the role of Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, replacing actor William Hurt after his demise in 2022. The trailer also showed a glimpse of Red Hulk, implying that Ford is not just a political figure in the film, but also a superhero.
While fans seemed excited about Ford’s appearance as Red Hulk, one aspect of Ross’s characteristics seems to have irked them. In the comics, Thunderbolt Ross is known for his mustache, with other character iterations such as Sam Elliott and William Hurt sticking to that design. However, Ford seems to be clean-shaven in the upcoming film.
Harrison Ford Skips Iconic Thunderbolt Ross Mustache In Captain America: Brave New World
After the death of William Hurt in 2022, the character of Thaddeus Ross a.k.a Thunderbolt Ross was replaced by Harrison Ford in Captain America: Brave New World. The film is set to release in 2025, with Deadpool & Wolverine being the sole MCU theatrical release this year.
The film’s recent trailer showed Anthony Mackie in the Captain America suit, coupled with his Falcon wings. The trailer also introduced Harrison Ford’s Thaddeus Ross, who is seen as the President of the USA. The character was known for being the catalyst for the split between the Avengers in Captain America: Civil War.
However, fans were quick to notice one key change in Ross’ look in the new film. Thunderbolt Ross is known for his thick mustache, which has been followed by multiple iterations of the character such as Sam Elliott in Ang Lee’s Hulk and William Hurt in the MCU. Many believed that Ford refused to grow a mustache for the role.
The mustache is a huge part of the character of Thunderbolt Ross and defines his aggressiveness. Marvel’s decision to take it away has been controversial.
Possible Reason For Harrison Ford to Do Away With Thunderbolt Ross’ Mustache
The lack of a mustache and a different actor are not the only differences that Thadeus Ross has been through in Captain America New World. Ross is now the newly-elected President of the United States, after serving the position of Secretary of State and General. Harrison Ford’s Ross also seems to want to make Captain America a military position.
His new position as President might be the reason why his mustache was done away with. Facial hair has long been avoided by politicians, with only a few Presidents from the American Civil War to World War I sporting mustaches and beards. According to an academic paper, President William H. Taft was the last President to sport any facial hair.
Facial hair like mustache, beard, or sideburns has long been considered to be unpopular, especially among women. The clean-shaven look has been sported by almost every politician since the World War and has long been associated with more level-headed leadership.
Beards and mustaches have been associated with aggressiveness and violence, which was probably the need of the hour during wartime (via Scholars). However, since the end of the wars, there has been no President who has sported a mustache.
Captain America: Brave New World releases in cinemas on February 14, 2025.
