Wyatt Russell’s Career Soars with New Marvel Role

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Wyatt Russell, the son of Hollywood legends Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, is finding new recognition in his acting career. At 38, the actor, known for his diverse roles, is catching the attention of audiences following the April release of Marvel’s Thunderbolts, which has grossed $372 million worldwide.

In Thunderbolts, Russell plays John Walker, a character that debuted in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Walker, a Captain America hopeful who becomes a mercenary, has delighted fans with his complex portrayal. “I get a lot of people who are like, ‘Wait — you were the surfer dude from Lodge 49 and also the Mormon baby killer from Under the Banner of Heaven?’” Russell said.

In a recent interview, Russell described his hectic schedule, sharing that he was in London for a month while promoting Thunderbolts and preparing for another Marvel film, Avengers: Doomsday. “My wife and I are trying to juggle the career thing with also being present parents, which at times feels impossible,” he explained.

Despite the challenging landscape of the entertainment industry, Russell expressed gratitude for his current workload. “It’s very nice to be busy. I know the business is in a really funky spot,” he said. “We’re lucky to be working at the same time.”

Russell attributes some of his success to friendships within the industry, particularly with director Jake Schreier, who he collaborated with on Thunderbolts. Their bond formed during Russell’s earlier work on the indie series Lodge 49.

As a chameleon in his roles, Russell has crafted a multifaceted career, contrasting his earlier performances with his current superhero role. “I’ve always looked to do something completely different than I did on the last thing,” he said.

The character of John Walker allows Russell to explore an insecure yet skilled hero, a narrative he finds compelling. “You can play an insecure superhero who’s still good at his job but needs to learn things about himself to become fully realized,” Russell explained.

In addition to his current projects, Russell is eager to take on future roles and continue evolving as an actor. “The John Walker I played in Falcon and the Winter Soldier is a completely different version than the guy in Thunderbolts,” he said.

As fans begin to connect his varied performances, Russell senses a shift in recognition regarding his work. “My career has just been weird,” he noted. “But I’m glad I did [Marvel]. Hopefully, I’m able to bring more to that character than just be a traditional superhero.”