One of the most exciting additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in some time is the casting of Harrison Ford as President Ross in Captain America: Brave New World, which has led to curiosity about the actor's relationship with the Marvel team. The Star Wars star is one of the biggest actors of all time, playing some of the most iconic roles, including Indiana Jones and Han Solo. Following this, Ford's turn as "Thunderbolt" Ross, taking over from the late William Hurt, is eagerly anticipated, and learning about his impact on set is of great interest.
Captain America star Anthony Mackie recently appeared on The Playlist's The Discourse podcast to promote his new film Elevation. During this appearance, interviewer Mike DeAngelo asked him about his experience working with Harrison Ford. Mackie gave effusive praise to Ford. Despite being an actor of an extremely high caliber, Mackie said that Ford deferred to him on the film: "He made it very clear that I was number one on the call sheet. And because of that, everybody else fell in line."
Mackie said that, despite Ford's status, he treated Mackie as the most important performer in the film. "He was like, ‘I’m here to support you," Mackie shared. "And I’m here to make sure after this movie comes out, everyone knows your name.’" Having an established hand like Ford, who was so supportive of the project, helped to make things run smoothly.
What was really interesting, and it shows the nature and the beauty of Harrison Ford – when he got to set, he pulled me aside, and he was like, ‘Hey kid,’ – I’m 46 years old. He goes, ‘Hey kid, this is your movie. He was like, ‘I’m here to support you. And I’m here to make sure after this movie comes out, everyone knows your name.’ And there are a lot of people on his level that would not do that. There are a lot of people at his scale of work who would not do that.
But from the first day he was on set til the last day when we wrapped, he literally treated me like I was number one. He literally let me have the set and literally walked beside me every day and showed me the respect that people would. You know, it’s still Harrison Ford. Nobody’s like, ‘Hey Harrison, get out of the way. We need Anthony,’ but he made it very clear that I was number one on the call sheet. And because of that, everybody else fell in line. So I have nothing but appreciation and admiration for him – for the way he handled himself and the way he handled the set.
What Anthony Mackie's Harrison Ford Comments Mean
Ford Looked To Elevate Mackie During The Film's Production
Building a new titular hero like Sam Wilson's Captain America is a daunting task, but it sounds as if Harrison Ford did everything he could to make the filmmaking process as smooth and successful as possible. The actor has proven himself to be a consummate professional through the years, and his comments on his Red Hulk role have already shown appreciation for the MCU. Ford understands the industry in a way many younger actors do not, having spent so much time in it, and it appears he has much wisdom to share.
Anthony Mackie has a lot to live up to in taking on the Captain America mantle. For many, the 2025 Marvel moviehas to give audiences a reason to invest in Sam Wilson as the successor to Steve Rogers. This is a big ask from audiences, but it is necessary that those working on the film go into its production with this in mind. It seems clear that Ford wishes to do exactly that. By treating Mackie's Captain America performance as something important, the character becomes elevated in the production in a way that can come across onscreen.
Our Take On Anthony Mackie's Harrison Ford Comments
With A Long Career In Hollywood, Ford Has Plenty Wisdom To Share
Ford is an actor who has been around for some time, although I think he seems very down-to-earth and in touch with his place in the culture. Despite being one of the most famous actors of all time, I see Ford's humility and cooperation coming through. Seeing this materialize in this way, by putting aside his own ego and star power for the sake of elevating someone else's, speaks to Ford's desire to make the best movie possible. However Captain America: Brave New World turns out, it seems certain it will be better for Ford's inclusion.
