35 Years Later, Harrison Ford Discovers He Almost Played This Superhero, His Reaction Is Hilarious

Last year, while promoting Captain America: Brave New World, Harrison Ford made a quite surprising discovery about his own Hollywood past. The actor, now stepping into the superhero realm for the first time after over half a century in the industry, currently portrays American President Thaddeus Ross, who is set to become the Red Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Until now, Ford had never ventured into a film of this genre, despite an already monumental filmography. Yet, during an interview, it came to light that he could have taken this leap much earlier… in a legendary role.

The Batman Role That Got Away

Indeed, during a promotional interview, the actor learned that he had been considered in the late 1980s to portray Batman in the 1989 film directed by Tim Burton. The role eventually went to Michael Keaton, but Ford had briefly been among the options considered.

During the interview (shared by MTV and Josh Horowitz), the journalist provocatively and humorously said, “According to my thorough research, and as you know the internet is never wrong, (…) it’s said that you were on the list to play Batman back then…”

Ford’s reaction was immediate, and notably marked by his characteristic irony. Playing along, Harrison Ford responded with a feigned look of dismay, “Oh sh**!”, before adding, still jokingly: “I could have had… I could have had a career.”

With this typical second-degree humor, he then suggested he was completely discovering this information, as if he had never heard it before. An amusing way to downplay this “missed meeting” with one of the most iconic superheroes in cinema.

A Legendary Career Without Superheroes

Ultimately, it’s hard to imagine that the actor harbors any regrets. His career speaks for itself: from Han Solo in Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, Witness, to The Fugitive, Harrison Ford has played a string of iconic roles that have marked multiple generations.

Awarded a Palm of Honor at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, he belongs to that rare category of actors whose legend doesn’t depend on a superhero costume. On March 1st, the 83-year-old actor was also warmly applauded at the 32nd Actors Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, where he received a prestigious honorary award recognizing his 60-year career. Presented by his friend Woody Harrelson, this tribute celebrated his long and distinguished journey.

Harrison Ford can be seen in Captain America: Brave New World, available on Disney+, and in the series Shrinking, created by and starring Jason Segel, on Apple TV+.

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