MCU Star Challenges Thunderbolts Skeptics: 'Prepare to Eat Your Words'

Wyatt Russell, known for his role as U.S. Agent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is determined to prove skeptics wrong about the upcoming Thunderbolts film. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Russell highlighted the team's collective resolve to transform any doubts into a triumphant showcase of their unique vision for the movie. He drew parallels to his background in ice hockey, suggesting it prepared him for the challenge.

"We approached this project as a united front, eager to craft something exceptional and make naysayers reconsider their stance," Russell explained. "With my athletic background, I'm motivated to turn any negative predictions into something we can all be proud of."

The ensemble cast includes Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster, Lewis Pullman as Bob / Sentry / Void, David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr / Ghost, and Wyatt Russell as John Walker / U.S. Agent.

"None of these characters have had extensive solo narratives within the MCU," Russell noted. "We're not dealing with the likes of Captain America or Thor. Thunderbolts is about these unconventional heroes, and that's a thrilling challenge set by Kevin Feige for our director Jake Schreier and our cast."

Russell also touched on the diverse career paths of his co-stars, emphasizing that their varied experiences contribute to the film's unique flavor. "Most of us didn't start out in this universe. I spent years doing quirky TV shows, David Harbour has a rich history on Broadway, and Sebastian Stan had a full career before joining Marvel. Florence Pugh, too, has carved her own path. This mix of backgrounds enriches our approach to Thunderbolts."

The Thunderbolts: The Tumultuous History of Marvel's Twisted Super-Team

View 11 ImagesEarlier this month, Sebastian Stan opened up about his career struggles before becoming the Winter Soldier in the MCU. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stan recounted how a $65,000 residuals payment from Hot Tub Time Machine was a lifeline for him. He played the antagonist Blaine in the 2010 film and subsequently starred alongside Chris Evans in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011.

"I was really struggling to find work," Stan shared. "That residuals payment from Hot Tub Time Machine was a lifesaver."

Stan has since reprised his role in multiple MCU projects, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, various Avengers films, and Captain America: Brave New World. He is set to return as Bucky Barnes in next month's Thunderbolts. Additionally, his inclusion in the cast reveal for Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday suggests that Bucky, along with other Thunderbolts members like John Walker, will continue to be integral to the MCU's future.