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 recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Russell shared his and his co-stars' ambition to defy any preconceived notions that might deter audiences from seeing the movie. He credits his background in ice hockey for giving him the drive to succeed.

"We approached this as a group committed to making it our own unique project, aiming to create something exceptional and silence the critics," Russell explained. "With my athletic background, I'm motivated to make those who doubt the film eat their words."

Russell highlighted the unique challenge of Thunderbolts, noting that it isn't a "primed movie" like other Marvel films. He pointed out that unlike the Avengers, who had their own origin stories leading into their films, the Thunderbolts' characters lack such individual narratives. This makes the film a fresh and intriguing proposition for both the cast and the audience.

The Thunderbolts 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 himself as John Walker / U.S. Agent.

"These characters don't have much of their own established presence in the Marvel universe," Russell said. "It's not about Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, or the Avengers. Thunderbolts is about these misfits, and that's the exciting challenge Kevin Feige set for director Jake Schreier and us."

Russell also reflected on the diverse career paths of the Thunderbolts cast members. "Most of us didn't start our careers in Marvel. I did odd TV shows for years, David Harbour has been on Broadway since 2000, Sebastian Stan had a significant career before joining Marvel, and Florence Pugh has also done remarkable work outside of the MCU. Their careers are not defined solely by Marvel."

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Earlier this month, Sebastian Stan opened up about his career struggles before landing his pivotal role as the Winter Soldier in the MCU. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Stan revealed that a $65,000 residuals payment from his role in the 2010 film Hot Tub Time Machine was crucial in supporting him before he played James "Bucky" Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011.

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

Stan reprised his role in subsequent films, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, various Avengers movies, this year's Captain America: Brave New World, and he is set to return as the superhero in next month's Thunderbolts. Additionally, Stan's name appeared in the cast reveal for Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday, indicating that Bucky and other Thunderbolts members, including John Walker, will continue to play significant roles in the MCU.