MCU Star's Bold Challenge: 'Eat Your Words' if Thunderbolts Doesn't Impress

Wyatt Russell, renowned 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 expressed that he and his co-stars are eager to defy any preconceived doubts about the film's potential success. Drawing from his experience in ice hockey, Russell is motivated to turn any negative expectations into triumphant outcomes.

"We approached this project as a united front, aiming to create something unique and exceptional that would make critics reconsider their doubts," Russell stated. He further emphasized his athletic background, saying, "I want to prove the naysayers wrong if they think this movie will flop and aren't interested in seeing it."

Russell highlighted the unique challenge posed by Thunderbolts, noting that it isn't a "primed movie" like the Avengers films, which benefited from extensive character origin stories. The film's 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.

"The characters in this film don't have their own established narratives within the Marvel universe," Russell explained. "It's not about Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, or the Avengers. Thunderbolts focuses on these misfit characters, which presents an exciting challenge. Kevin Feige's vision, along with director Jake Schreier's direction, has inspired us to embrace this opportunity."

Russell also shed light on the diverse career paths of the Thunderbolts cast. "Most of us didn't achieve success through typical routes. I spent years doing unconventional TV shows, while David Harbour has a long history on Broadway. Sebastian Stan had a significant career before joining Marvel, and his involvement in numerous projects outside of it shows that Marvel hasn't defined him. Florence Pugh's journey is similar."

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

View 11 ImagesEarlier this month, Sebastian Stan shared insights into his career challenges before securing his pivotal role as the Winter Soldier in the MCU. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed how a $65,000 residuals check from his role in Hot Tub Time Machine was a financial lifeline before he portrayed James "Bucky" Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger.

"I was facing difficulties finding work," Stan admitted. "It was a residuals payment from Hot Tub Time Machine that kept me afloat."

Stan's portrayal of Bucky Barnes continued across multiple films, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, various Avengers movies, and the recent Captain America: Brave New World. He is set to reprise his role in the upcoming Thunderbolts. Additionally, Stan's inclusion in the Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal indicates that both Bucky and other Thunderbolts members, including John Walker, will have a lasting presence in the MCU.