Draft:Thaddeus Ross (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Thaddeus E. "Thunderbolt" Ross is a fictional character originally portrayed by William Hurt and subsequently by Harrison Ford in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film franchise, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name.

As of 2022, Ross has appeared portrayed by Hurt in The Incredible Hulk (2008), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Black Widow (2021). He will return being portrayed by Ford in the upcoming films, Captain America: Brave New World and the Thunderbolts* (both 2025).

Concept and creation
In June 2007, William Hurt was cast to play the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and made his debut the next year in The Incredible Hulk (2008). Sam Elliott, who portrayed Ross in the non-MCU film Hulk (2003), was willing to reprise the role and wished Marvel Studios had kept some if not all of the 2003 film castmembers, though he still approved Hurt's casting and expressed his interest in looking forward the new film.

Hurt died on March 13, 2022. The role would be recast in October 2022 with Harrison Ford, who will appear in both Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* (both 2025).

Alternate versions
alternate versions of Ross appear in the animated series What If...?.