Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk Transformation Drew Inspiration from This Classic Horror Film!

Harrison Ford has been a major influence in Hollywood for decades, captivating audiences with iconic roles like Han Solo and Indiana Jones. Whether wielding a whip, a pistol, or delivering a witty quip, Ford became the epitome of movie star cool. Even as he enters his 80s, the actor continues to surprise and entertain, with recent roles in TV shows like 1923 and Shrinking. In 2025, Ford added another major milestone to his legendary career by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Captain America: Brave New World, taking over the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a part previously portrayed by the late William Hurt.

However, Ford’s new role isn’t just another government official or seasoned action hero—this time, he’s playing a character who transforms into a massive, musclebound CGI monster: Red Hulk. This marks the first time Ford has portrayed a superhero in this way, and it’s an exciting development for both his career and the MCU.

While the arrival of Red Hulk is certainly a major moment for fans, director Julius Onah revealed that his vision for the character was influenced by a surprising source: the 1981 cult classic An American Werewolf in London. In an interview with Indiewire, Onah explained that the movie’s iconic werewolf transformation scene played a crucial role in shaping how Ford’s character would undergo his own physical and emotional transformation.

“The key inspiration for this was looking at An American Werewolf in London,” Onah said, describing how he aimed to capture the body horror element of the transformation into the Hulk. The scene he references is a memorable moment from the film when the protagonist, David (played by David Naughton), painfully transforms into a werewolf. As his bones contort, his skin stretches, and his teeth grow, David’s agonizing metamorphosis remains one of the most chilling moments in horror history.

Onah explained that he wanted to bring a similar sense of bodily anguish to Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk. He also emphasized the emotional arc at play, particularly Ross’s internal struggle as he tries to suppress his rage, a central theme throughout his journey. Liv Tyler, returning as Ross’s daughter Betty, was intended to help fuel his descent into rage, further driving the emotional narrative of the character as he faces the monster within.

Though An American Werewolf in London was a low-budget horror-comedy, its influence is still widely felt in both indie and blockbuster filmmaking. Notably, director Edgar Wright has cited the film as a significant influence on his own career, and Michael Jackson’s iconic music video for “Thriller” was directly inspired by the film’s unique mix of horror and dark comedy. This enduring impact on cinema is a testament to the film’s power, and the fact that it continues to inspire filmmakers more than 40 years after its release highlights its lasting legacy.

While Captain America: Brave New World may not achieve the same cultural status as An American Werewolf in London, it’s fascinating to see how a film that combined horror, comedy, and groundbreaking special effects has influenced a major blockbuster in the MCU. Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Red Hulk will undoubtedly add a new dimension to his already impressive legacy, and fans can look forward to seeing how his transformation compares to one of the most iconic moments in film history.