The success of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has produced a fresh wave of fan theories, as the film’s Easter eggs drop hints about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and audience members predict where it might be headed. Vibranium plays a large role in the film, and as one of The MCU’s strongest Macguffins, it can certainly prompt all manner of future plots for the franchise. More specifically, the possibility of a war between Wakanda and the United States — with the latter more than eager for access to the unbreakable metal — echoes a number of possible plot lines from the comics that can be incorporated into future films.
One theory in particular raises some intriguing possibilities about Thunderbolt Ross, the former Hulk antagonist looking to make a huge mark on the MCU in the near future. Rather than phasing the role out after William Hurt (who previously portrayed Ross) passed away in March 2022, the franchise re-cast Harrison Ford in the part. A Reddit theory posted by user DJHomodemiks ties him to the battle for vibranium and possible conflict with Wakanda as a springboard for the celebrated Dark Reign arc from the Marvel Comics. It’s an inspired idea, despite the fact that Ross was not a major player in the comics arc.
Thunderbolt Ross Is an Excellent Candidate to Lead a Dark Reign Arc
The Dark Reign saga took place between 2008 and 2009 — a massive crossover that includes seven one-shots and over two dozen established Marvel titles. After helping to defeat the Skrull during the previous Secret Invasion storyline, Norman Osborn takes control of S.H.I.E.L.D. This results in the creation of The Dark Avengers — former villains given the mantle of established heroes — giving him considerable power and influence in the process. A number of heroes seek to counter him, but with Osborn pulling the strings of an entire government organization, they themselves soon become the hunted.
The Dark Reign arc is compelling for the MCU because the original story took place during the fallout of the previous storyline, Secret Invasion, which is already confirmed as an upcoming series on Disney+. Adding it, however, means finding a replacement for Norman Osborn, who is not a part of the MCU as of this writing. Thunderbolt Ross, however, is an ideal candidate as he previously served as Secretary of State. While the theory’s idea that Thunderbolt Ross becomes president has hit some potential snags (Dermont Mulrony has been cast as the POTUS for Secret Invasion), it still leaves him in a position comparable to Osborn’s in the storyline. It’s not hard to envision him as the leader of some shady group of supposed heroes, especially if he intends to take on Wakanda as the theory suggests.
What Does the MCU Have in Store for Thunderbolt Ross?
Ford will play Ross in at least two upcoming MCU features: Captain America: New World Order and Thunderbolts. The plots of both are still in development, but the character’s MCU history is rife with antagonism towards superheroes, including support of the disastrous Sokovia Accords and hunting Natasha Romanoff during the events of Black Widow. It’s very possible he will become The Red Hulk at some point — matching another arc in the comics and making the Osborn comparisons even more apt — and with the increased international tension in Wakanda Forever, he could readily make an enemy of Black Panther as well.
That primes him to enable something akin to the Dark Reign story, possibly using the Thunderbolts as stand-ins for The Dark Avengers. As the theory recounts, discrimination and fear against super-powered beings has been slowly building in the MCU, and the events of Secret Invasion — with hostile Skrull masquerading as nearly anyone — could readily compound it. Wakanda makes an easy stand-in for New Asgard, whom Osborne confronted in the comics line, and which ultimately led to the disbanding of The Dark Avengers. While the players may be different, the pieces are readily lining up for a very similar storyline, with Ross at the center.
If a version of Dark Reign looming on the horizon, they might use someone other than Ross. In fact, Baron Zemo has been mentioned as another possibility. However, no one else in the franchise is positioned quite so perfectly, or makes quite so much sense. The theory will be put to the test when Ross makes his return, though the high-profile recasting of the role means that something big is afoot with him regardless.
