Harrison Ford Reflects on Life, Stardom, and Marvel in a New Interview With D23
As Harrison Ford prepares to make his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut in Captain America: Brave New World, the Disney Legend sat down with D23 to reflect back on his career.
Over his storied career, Ford has played a multitude of roles, from Han Solo to Indiana Jones. However, looking back at the breadth of his career, the actor sees a common thread.
“We’re all made from the same common clay. It’s moment in time. It’s opportunity — all of these inexplicable, unpredictable elements, plus our own drive and search for something useful to do in life,” he explains.
Photo: PEOPLE
“All of it counts. Fantasy counts. Science counts. Reality counts. But being able to dream into and out of the world you’re living in? That’s important stuff.”
“Nobody Does Anything in This Business Alone”
At last year’s D23: The Ultimate Fan Event, Ford was officially named a Disney Legend. During his acceptance speech, the Hollywood luminary noted that “nobody does anything in this business alone.” Ford believes in this sentiment wholeheartedly.
Harrison Ford
“The work that an actor, frankly, gets credit for is the work of many people who have come before him and laid in the groundwork for him to walk. The George Lucases, the Steven Spielbergs, the Kevin Feiges in my life are really responsible for the opportunities that I’ve had,” Ford explained to D23.
Photo: People
“Their passion for the ideas they’re working with and their commitment to the craft and to the quality and integrity of their work has been fundamental to the success of my career. You don’t do this alone. You stand on the shoulders of many people.”
Playing Thunderbolt Ross
As Ford prepares to play Thunderbolt Ross in Brave New World, the actor knows he is entering a franchise many have worked hard to build.
“For instance, I’m standing on the shoulders of [the late] William Hurt, who created the character that I’m playing in this Marvel film,” Ford said of his role in Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World, in theaters February 14.
Photo: Marvel
“I had an opportunity to see the foundations he established for the character, and it gave me a wonderful place to start with the responsibilities that I have storytelling-wise in this Captain America movie.”
Praise For Anthony Mackie
Speaking of Brave New World, Ford had nothing but praise for his co-star Anthony Mackie.
“I got to see the full-blown Anthony Mackie, and it is a considerable presence,” Ford said.
Photo: Marvel
“I’d seen him outside of the Marvel Universe, and as an actor, he’s formidable. He’s a very powerful presence onscreen. Our scenes together were scenes of conflict, in most cases; I met him on the field, so I knew the steel he was made of as an actor. But he has more than steel in his quiver: he’s got sensitivity, understanding, and intelligence about what he’s doing.”
For his part, Mackie told D23 that he learned “what it really means to be a movie star from Harrison Ford.”
So, what does Ford think about that?
Photo: Variety
“[I feel] a mixture of embarrassment and secret pleasure,” Ford said, smiling. “I’m grateful for his words.”
