Before launching into the world of acting, Wyatt Russell forged a different career path that took him to the ice as a professional hockey player. His athletic background has offered a unique lens through which he approached his role as John Walker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Walker’s story is an intense one; chosen as the successor to the revered Captain America, he later tarnishes his own reputation, transforming into the complex vigilante known as U.S. Agent. Russell’s portrayal of this character brings a specific physicality that aligns with Walker’s overzealous and sometimes reckless nature—a characterization central to the narrative of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. At the premiere of Thunderbolts, Russell shared insights with The Hollywood Reporter, revealing how his years on the ice subtly informed this performance.
When prompted about whether his hockey past influenced how he brought John Walker to life, Russell reflected, “Maybe, a little bit,” acknowledging, “I’ve been so far removed from hockey now, any muscle memory I had from that is pretty much gone. But there was some physicality that I think helps. Anything with sports, like, it helps.” Here, Russell illustrates a universal truth about sports: the physical discipline and movement patterns athletes maintain can deeply impact their approaches to non-athletic endeavors, including acting. Throughout the role preparation process, Russell engaged in candid conversations with his stunt double about how to embody Walker’s physical actions and demeanor onscreen.
Delving into these discussions, Russell noted, “We talked a lot—my stunt performer Justin Eaton—about carrying himself, and how he would do that.” This collaboration was critical in creating a believable portrayal, with the team drawing on the “bull in a China shop” mentality, likening Walker’s movements to that of a reckless force barreling through obstacles. While initially reserved when it came to naming individuals he knew from the hockey world who might have inspired him, Russell eventually admitted, “Milan Lucic is one of them,” addressing his former teammate directly with, “Luc, you’re in there as part of it. So, yeah, I did call on some of my past, you know.” Lucic, a formidable presence in the world of professional hockey, undoubtedly served as a compelling template for infusing Walker with rugged physicality.
Sports Mentality
The athletic spirit goes beyond physicality, shaping other facets of performance, as Russell explained, especially in communicating a character’s emotional journeys. With the intensity and challenges experienced in professional sports, Russell gained insights into vulnerability and emotional resilience. Regarding John Walker’s narrative arc, which revolves around his fall from grace and inner conflicts, Russell shared his understanding: “On a less obvious note, Russell thought that his experience in professional hockey had helped him convey the ‘vulnerability’ of Walker’s fall from grace and his struggles with self-doubt.”
The world of sports often emphasizes a “no weakness” mentality. Reflecting on his time in hockey, Russell said, “He recalled that he and other players avoided showing any ‘crack in the armor,’ because ‘even if your coach took it well, now he knows you’re not feeling good, or now he knows you’re doubting yourself, and any bad thing that happens, you can be looked at very differently.'” Within this context, Russell embraced the challenges of portraying Walker’s “cracks” and vulnerabilities. The honesty required to expose these imperfections can be daunting, but as Russell notes, “The reality is that you’re not going to become a better, fully-realized version of yourself until you can admit your shortcomings.” Players on the ice, much like actors on stage, can only improve when willing to confront and learn from their failures.
In his portrayal of John Walker, Russell did just that, drawing from the complex psychological processes involved in professional sports to bring a nuanced depth to Walker’s story. “So, that was fun to play, and it was fun to play [Walker’s] sort of cracks, his vulnerability, and humor. That was fun for me,” he admitted. As the character’s journey unfolds, audiences can expect greater complexities and developments in his arc, delving deeper into the persona of John Walker. Russell’s adept handling of this character extends beyond individual scenes to build a comprehensive portrayal across different MCU appearances. “It sounds like Walker’s story will be getting a lot deeper in his second MCU appearance, and there’s still more to come in Avengers: Doomsday.” As always, the MCU offers expansive storytelling, with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier now available for streaming on Disney+, and Thunderbolts scheduled to premiere in theaters across the United States on Friday, May 2nd.
