MCU Star Challenges Critics: 'Thunderbolts Will Make You Eat Your Words'

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Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) star Wyatt Russell, best known for portraying U.S. Agent in Thunderbolts, is determined to silence the film’s skeptics.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Russell shared how he and his co-stars aimed to reshape expectations surrounding the movie. Drawing from his athletic background—particularly his experience in ice hockey—he approached the role with competitive drive and determination.

“We came into this as a group who wanted to create something unique and prove people wrong,” Russell explained. “I’ve got that athlete mentality, so I’m thinking, ‘Yeah, I want you to eat your words if you doubted this movie.’”

The 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 reprising his role as John Walker / U.S. Agent.

Russell noted, “This isn’t Captain America or Thor. These are misfits—characters who don’t have a deep-rooted presence in the MCU yet. That’s what made it exciting. Kevin Feige gave us a mission, and we were all-in.”

He added, “Most of us didn’t break through with blockbuster roles. I did quirky TV shows for years, David Harbour has been on Broadway since 2000, Sebastian had an impressive career before the MCU, and Florence continues to redefine her range. This movie gives us a chance to show our stuff.”

The Thunderbolts: A Complex Legacy in the Marvel Universe

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Sebastian Stan recently opened up about his early struggles in Hollywood before landing the pivotal role of Bucky Barnes in the MCU. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Stan revealed how a $65,000 residuals check from Hot Tub Time Machine helped keep him afloat before he joined the Marvel universe.

“I was really struggling at the time,” Stan admitted. “My business manager told me that a $65,000 residual payment from Hot Tub Time Machine basically saved me financially.”

Stan first appeared alongside Chris Evans in Captain America: The First Avenger after playing Blaine in the 2010 sci-fi comedy. Since then, he’s reprised his role in multiple MCU installments, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Civil War, and most recently Captain America: Brave New World. He will return as Bucky Barnes in Thunderbolts, set for release next month.

Additionally, Stan has been confirmed as part of the cast for Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday, suggesting that characters like Bucky Barnes and John Walker will continue to play key roles in the evolving MCU landscape.