Considering Kevin Feige and Co. have spent almost two-dozen films setting up an expansive superhero universe filled with A-list talent, it goes without saying that these Marvel Studios productions are traditionally packed to the gills with major stars. So, with that knowledge, even though the studio announced the primary cast for the upcoming “Black Widow,” it was only a matter of time before other familiar names popped up.
The latest rumor (via Charles Murphy on Twitter) is that William Hurt is going to appear in Marvel Studios’ next film, “Black Widow,” reprising his role as US Secretary of State Thaddeus E. “Thunderbolt” Ross. Actually, you might as well consider it fact since set photos have appeared, which we won’t link to but are floating around social media. While the addition of Hurt to the cast is news, it’s not altogether surprising considering the time period of “Black Widow” and how Thunderbolt Ross has been a fixture in recent MCU films.
According to reports, “Black Widow” takes place in the time period between “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” During that time, Thunderbolt Ross is the aforementioned member of the White House Cabinet and the main person behind the passing of the Sokovia Accords. He becomes the liaison between the Avengers and the government. Considering how ‘Civil War’ ends, with Widow, Captain America, and Falcon on the run, it makes sense that Thunderbolt Ross might show up at some point in her story.
Now, if you want to get your tinfoil hats ready and begin speculating, there are many folks that see the William Hurt appearance as not just a cameo/nod to previous films and the MCU, in general, but a hint at what might come after. There are rumors (taken with a huge grain of salt) that Marvel Studios is building towards some sort of “Thunderbolts” film, which features villains taking up the mantle of heroes and becoming some sort of Black Ops team.
Despite the name, “Thunderbolts” isn’t named after the MCU character played by Hurt. However, it’s speculated that Thunderbolt Ross is going to be shown in some sort of post-credits scene hinting at the formation of the Thunderbolts and leading into a future film.
We’ll find out soon enough, as “Black Widow” is expected to arrive in theaters on May 1, 2020.
William Hurt, aka Thunderbolt Ross, is currently on the set of what I believe to be additional photography for 'BLACK WIDOW.' ScarJo is not believed to be there. Could Ross be visiting with Yelena in a post credit scene setting up a 'THUNDERBOLTS' project? That I cannot confirm. pic.twitter.com/bNS3RpWvJN
— Charles Murphy (@_CharlesMurphy) October 1, 2019