Published by: Sourav Kumar
Updated on: Monday, 09 June 2025

From Underrated Actor to Marvel Star

Wyatt Russell has officially entered the Hollywood A-list — and it only took a Marvel blockbuster, a secret Spielberg project, and years of critically acclaimed roles to get there.

Born to film icons Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell and half-brother to Kate Hudson, Wyatt could have easily leaned on his famous surname. But instead, he carved out a path of his own. And now, with the global success of Marvel’s Thunderbolts, Russell’s career is being redefined.

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 Who Is Wyatt Russell?

Though you’ve likely seen him before, many audiences are just now connecting the dots. Russell is known for his diverse range, playing roles as different as

• The laid-back surfer in AMC’s Lodge 49

• A terrifying villain in Under the Banner of Heaven

• The confused soldier in Black Mirror: “Playtest”

• The complex antihero John Walker in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Now, with Thunderbolts, his character — a morally grey Captain America replacement turned mercenary — has stolen the spotlight.

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 What Makes Thunderbolts Different?

Released in April 2025, Thunderbolts earned a staggering $372 million globally, reinvigorating the superhero genre. Directed by Jake Schreier, who previously worked with Russell on Lodge 49, the film blends dark comedy, thrilling action, and layered characters.

Russell’s portrayal of John Walker is one of the movie’s highlights. With his background as a professional hockey player in Europe, he brings an unmatched athleticism and raw intensity to every scene.

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 What’s Next for Wyatt Russell?

Russell isn’t slowing down. He’s set to appear in Steven Spielberg’s top-secret sci-fi film, followed by a major role in Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday. His calendar is packed, and his momentum shows no signs of fading.

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 In His Own Words

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Russell said:

“I’ve always looked to do something completely different than I did on the last thing… Hollywood isn’t filled with the most creative people. They kind of just go off what they saw you last in.”

This philosophy explains his career path — risky, varied, but finally recognized.

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  Hollywood Legacy, Reimagined

Wyatt Russell’s rise proves that talent and perseverance can outshine even the brightest family legacy. Whether you know him from TV, indie films, or now Marvel, Russell’s breakout moment has officially arrived.

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 FAQs About Wyatt Russell and Thunderbolts

Q1: Who is Wyatt Russell?
A: Wyatt Russell is an American actor and former professional hockey player. He’s the son of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell and known for roles in Lodge 49, Black Mirror, and Marvel’s Thunderbolts.

Q2: What character does Wyatt Russell play in Thunderbolts?
A: He plays John Walker, a complex antihero previously introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Q3: Is Wyatt Russell related to Kate Hudson?
A: Yes, they are half-siblings. Wyatt is Goldie Hawn’s son from her relationship with Kurt Russell, and Kate is Goldie’s daughter from her marriage to musician Bill Hudson.

Q4: What’s next for Wyatt Russell?
A: Russell will appear in a secretive sci-fi film by Steven Spielberg and reprise his role in Avengers: Doomsday.

Q5: Was Wyatt Russell a hockey player?
A: Yes! Before acting, he played professional hockey in Europe until injuries ended his sports career.

Also read: Behind the Lens: “Stolen” 2025 Roundtable With Abhishek Banerjee, Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao & More