Thaddeus Ross (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
Updated: 12/11/2025, 1:36:42 PM Wikipedia source
Thaddeus Ross is a fictional character portrayed by both William Hurt and Harrison Ford in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film franchise, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. He is first depicted as a United States Armed Forces lieutenant general and is later elected as the President of the United States. He is also the father of Betty Ross, with whom he has had a complex relationship. Ross leads the manhunt for Bruce Banner and inadvertently helps create the Abomination. After retiring from the military and various health issues, Ross becomes the Secretary of State, and presents the Avengers with the Sokovia Accords leading to their disbandment. After being revived from the Blip, Ross is elected President which puts him at odds with Sam Wilson. Ross turns into a Red Hulk after ingesting gamma-radiated pills from a revenge-driven Samuel Sterns, which leads to him destroying the White House. He later stands down as president and is incarcerated in the Raft. Hurt portrayed Ross in The Incredible Hulk (2008), The Consultant (2011), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Black Widow (2021). After Hurt's death in 2022, Ford subsequently portrayed the character in Captain America: Brave New World (2025). Both actors received generally positive reviews for their performances and the gravitas they brought to their roles. Alternate versions of the character appear in various Disney+ animated series, voiced by both Michael Patrick McGill and Travis Willingham.
Infobox
First appearance
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Based on
Thunderbolt Rossby Stan LeeJack Kirby
Adapted by
Zak Penn
Portrayed by
William Hurt (2008–2021) Harrison Ford (2025)
Voiced by
Michael Patrick McGill(What If...?) Travis Willingham(Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man)
Full name
Thaddeus Ross
Alias
Red Hulk
Nicknames
Thunderbolt Hulk Hunter
Species
Human mutate
Title
Lieutenant General Secretary of State President of the United States
Children
Betty Ross (daughter)
Nationality
American
Tables
· Reception › Ford's portrayal › Accolades
| Year | Work | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
| 2025 | Captain America: Brave New World | Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Villain | Nominated |
References
- Set after the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016) and before the events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018).
- Sterns was trying to ruin Ross's legacy for not giving him a pardon, and scapegoating him as the mastermind behind the e
- As suggested by Entertainment Weekly, and Esquire.
- As mentioned in Black Widow (2021), and cited by Screen Rant.
- An island formed when the Celestial Tiamut emerged, as depicted in the film Eternals (2021).
- As per The Guardian, Radio New Zealand, and Entertainment Weekly.
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