MCU Star Challenges Thunderbolts Skeptics: 'Prepare to Be Proven Wrong'

Wyatt Russell, known for his role as U.S. Agent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is determined to silence the skeptics of the upcoming Thunderbolts movie. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Russell emphasized the cast's collective ambition to defy expectations and deliver an exceptional film. Drawing from his own ice hockey background, Russell expressed a personal drive to prove doubters wrong, stating, "We came to this as a group of people who were like, 'Let’s make this our own thing, let’s make it great and let’s make people put their foot in their mouths.'"

He further elaborated on the unique challenge presented by Thunderbolts, noting that unlike other Marvel films, it doesn't rely on characters with established solo origin stories. "There are no characters in this film, really, that have their own stuff in the Marvel universe that much," Russell explained. The film stars a diverse cast including 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 himself as John Walker/U.S. Agent.

Russell highlighted the film's focus on "misfit types," a challenge embraced by director Jake Schreier and the cast, encouraged by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. He also pointed out the varied career paths of his co-stars, mentioning their accomplishments beyond the MCU. "I did weird TV shows for a million years, and David [Harbour] has been acting on Broadway [since 2000]. Sebastian had a whole career before he joined Marvel, and while he’s been a part of it for so long, he’s also done so many incredible things outside of Marvel. It has not defined him. Florence, same thing."

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

View 11 ImagesIn related news, Sebastian Stan recently shared insights into his career challenges before becoming a pivotal part of the MCU as the Winter Soldier. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed that a residuals payment of $65,000 from his role in Hot Tub Time Machine was a financial lifeline before he landed the role of James "Bucky" Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger. Stan, who played the antagonist Blaine in the 2010 film, went on to star alongside Chris Evans in the 2011 blockbuster.

Reflecting on his career trajectory, Stan said, "I was actually struggling with work. I had just gotten off the phone with my business manager, who told me I was saved by $65,000 that came in residuals from Hot Tub Time Machine."

Stan's portrayal of Bucky Barnes has been a significant part of the MCU, with appearances in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, various Avengers films, and the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. He is also set to reprise his role in the eagerly anticipated Thunderbolts film next month. Additionally, Stan's name was included in the cast reveal for Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday, indicating that fans can expect to see Bucky and other Thunderbolts members, including John Walker, continue their adventures in the MCU.