Wyatt Russell, known for his role as U.S. Agent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is determined to defy the skeptics surrounding the upcoming Thunderbolts film. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Russell expressed his and his co-stars' collective ambition to transform any negative perceptions into a compelling cinematic experience. Drawing on his ice hockey background, Russell is eager to prove the naysayers wrong.

"We approached this project as a team, aiming to craft something unique and exceptional, forcing critics to reconsider their doubts," Russell stated. "With my athletic background, I'm driven to show those who think this movie will flop that they're mistaken."

Russell highlighted the unique challenge Thunderbolts presents, noting that unlike the Avengers, the film's characters do not have their own origin stories leading up to it. This lack of a traditional buildup sets Thunderbolts apart, as it focuses on a group of misfit anti-heroes.

The film stars a talented ensemble including 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 as John Walker / U.S. Agent.

"There are no major standalone characters in this movie within the Marvel universe," Russell explained. "It's not about Captain America, Thor, or Iron Man. It's about these unique, misfit characters. The challenge given to us by Kevin Feige and director Jake Schreier was exhilarating."

Russell also touched on the diverse career paths of his co-stars, emphasizing that their journeys to Marvel were varied and unconventional. "Most of us didn't start out in this industry with Marvel. I spent years doing odd TV shows, David Harbour has a rich Broadway history, and Sebastian Stan had a full career before joining Marvel, continuing to do remarkable work outside of it. Florence Pugh, too, has had a varied career."

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

View 11 ImagesEarlier this month, Sebastian Stan shared his own career struggles before landing his pivotal role in the MCU as the Winter Soldier. In a conversation with Vanity Fair, Stan revealed that a $65,000 residuals payment from his role in Hot Tub Time Machine was crucial in supporting him before he played James "Bucky" Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger. Stan portrayed the antagonist Blaine in the 2010 sci-fi comedy before joining forces with Chris Evans in the 2011 superhero film.

"I was facing challenges with work," Stan admitted. "A residuals check of $65,000 from Hot Tub Time Machine came just in time."

Stan has since reprised his role in several MCU projects, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, multiple Avengers films, and this year's Captain America: Brave New World. He is set to return as Bucky in the upcoming Thunderbolts. Additionally, Stan's inclusion in Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal suggests that Bucky, along with other Thunderbolts members like John Walker, will continue to be integral to the MCU's future.