Thaddeus Ross (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

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 depicted as a United States Armed Forces lieutenant general before serving as Secretary of State, 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 serves as 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.