Harrison Ford Sips Whisky and Defies Action Roles in Epic New Ad

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In contrast to the intense action roles he’s played for five decades, Harrison Ford is opting for a more relaxed approach in his latest role. This isn’t about his upcoming character, Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk, in “Captain America: Brave New World” or his return to “Yellowstone” in the prequel series “1923”. Instead, we’re referring to his new whisky commercial directed by Joel Edgerton. In this advertisement, Ford is seen wearing a kilt and deliberately avoiding any action scenes, as explained by Edgerton in a recent interview with Variety.

In contrast to expectations, Edgerton’s latest film, despite featuring a major Hollywood star as its lead, is not an epic movie spectacle. Instead, the promotional campaign for Glenmorangie Scotch Whisky showcases Harrison Ford, the ex-Indiana Jones and Han Solo actor, in a more relaxed setting, engaging in activities like meditation, cycling, and enjoying a fire’s warmth among other things. However, one may wonder how a personality as grumpy as Ford ended up starring in this advertisement? Edgerton revealed the answer:

As a movie critic, I’ve had the pleasure of watching numerous interviews featuring Harrison Ford, and I can’t help but notice his unique persona. On the surface, he comes across as rugged and grumpy – much like an avocado that appears tough on the outside. However, beneath that hard exterior lies a heart of softness, sensitivity, and a deep humanity. This emotional depth is often concealed by his prickly demeanor.

In their initial encounter, Edgerton tasted this quality when Ford’s dry humor shaped his behavior into precisely what the director desired. He further stated:

At lunchtime, I was with a group when he arrived. Upon greeting him, we exchanged handshakes, and he commented, “I’ve heard they want me to ride a horse and fly a plane, but I have no intention of doing either.” I felt pleased because the first segment was going to focus on his resistance to doing what others wanted – him saying, “I don’t want to do what they tell me to do.” We connected well during our conversation, and by the end of the meeting, he agreed, “I’ll do whatever you ask of me.

Joel Edgerton Leaned Fully Into Harrison Ford’s “Older Dude” Persona

Contrary to most advertisements featuring youthful or middle-aged celebrities, Edgerton embraced the opportunity to work with the elderly Ford for the Glenmorangie campaign. Instead of shying away from Ford’s advanced age, he aimed to emphasize it as much as possible. He put it simply:

Typically, campaigns involve making things look better and catering to desires, often utilizing actors or famous figures. We might alter their appearance to seem younger or more attractive. This particular campaign, however, has a very delicate touch – it’s about accepting yourself and acknowledging your apprehensions, whether you worry about not being trendy enough or if you’re concerned about aging. I thought, ‘Harrison is an older gentleman. Let’s not try to disguise that.’ In fact, we didn’t have the luxury of time for all the extra embellishments. But, in essence, be yourself. Everyone should be loved for who they are, regardless of age, shape, or hairstyle.

In the upcoming film Brave New World, due in February, Ford will undoubtedly find himself in quite a tangle when he squares off against Anthony Mackie’s Captain America. However, if you appreciate an older gentleman demonstrating actions typical of his age, then you’re likely to be captivated by his brief “Once Upon a Time in Scotland” advertising campaign.

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2025-01-29 16:03