Is General Ross in the MCU the Same as Sam Elliot's General Ross in 2003's Hulk Film?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a beloved series of films and television shows, each contributing to a rich and interconnected mythology. One often-discussed topic among fans is the existence of characters from the 2003 Hulk film, whether they are part of the MCU continuity or not. Specifically, many wonder if the General Ross character played by Sam Elliot in the 2003 film holds the same place in the MCU as the General Ross character played by William Hurt.

Different Continuities: The Case of Sam Elliot's General Ross

The 2003 Hulk movie, while featuring Sam Elliot as General Ross, is considered to be part of a different continuity, separate from the MCU. This separation is important to understand, as it means that the character portrayed by Elliot is not the same as the one later featured in the MCU. Released in 2003, directed by Ang Lee, and produced by Universal Pictures, the film is part of its own separate franchise, making it distinct from the MCU.

The MCU, on the other hand, began in 2008 with the release of Iron Man, and continued with the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk, which is where readers might recognize William Hurt's portrayal of the same character, General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. It's important to note that while the character has evolved over time, there is a significant disconnect between the two appearances.

The Importance of Continuity: MCU Canon and Backstory

Despite some renovations and changes to the Hulk's appearance and the actor portraying Bruce Banner, the version of General Ross seen in the MCU is still considered to be part of the same canon. The continuity in the MCU is closely maintained to preserve the narrative and character development that fans have come to love and expect.

However, as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to explore the multiverse through the Multiverse Saga, there is a possibility that these different versions of General Ross might become part of the same universe. As of now, the multiverse is still a relatively new concept within the MCU, and its full implications are yet to be discovered, opening up possibilities for the future.

General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross: A Multifaceted Character

William Hurt portrays Thunderbolt Ross, a character widely recognized for his intense and often ruthlessly determined nature. He is the father of Betty Ross, who is played by Jennifer Connelly in the MCU. Similarly, when Sam Elliot deploys this character, we see a more maverick and initially more corrupt version. Both actors bring their unique interpretations to the role, but their versions are distinct due to the different continuities in which they are featured.

It is worth noting that the 2003 Hulk film, despite being a significant release, has somewhat fallen out of favor with fans and critics alike. Ang Lee's direction and the film's overall reception have led many to question the place of this movie within the larger Marvel lore, making it less likely that this separate version of General Ross would be revisited or included as part of the MCU canon.

Conclusion: Understanding the Differing Continuities

The difference between the General Ross characters portrayed by William Hurt and Sam Elliot significantly impacts the overall narrative and the place of their respective films within the broader landscape of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While both actors bring nuanced and memorable performances to their roles, they are inherently part of different continuities. As the MCU continues to expand and explore the multiverse, time may yet reveal deeper connections between these and other characters from various universes.