Why John Walker Stole Thunderbolts* Spotlight From Yelena Belova in the MCU’s Shocking Twist

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This article might reveal significant plot points from the latest 2025 movie, Thunderbolts. If you haven’t watched it yet and want to avoid spoilers, I recommend waiting until you’re fully updated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) timeline before continuing.

Similar to many moviegoers, I was feeling a bit tired of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) going into the premiere of Thunderbolts. To be honest, I never thought I would feel this way. Yet, after watching the highly-praised comic book adaptation, I must confess that I was delightfully surprised by its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, thrilling action sequences, and hilarious humor. This movie has undeniably become one of the finest Marvel productions in recent years. However, the surprises didn’t stop there…

As I went to watch Thunderbolts, I had a hunch that Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova would be the core of the film, and indeed she was. However, there’s another character who stands out in the movie, one that shouldn’t be underestimated when discussing it. This is a character who garnered intense dislike when they were first introduced several years ago, yet their role in this film transforms an already excellent viewing experience into a captivating and satisfying journey.

Yelena Belova Is The Emotional Core Of The Thunderbolts* And At The Center Of The Movie’s Biggest Scenes

Despite being a team-oriented film like “Guardians of the Galaxy” or the various “Avengers” movies, “Thunderbolts*” uniquely centers around Yelena Belova. This Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film masterfully blends humor, emotion, and action, and Yelena is instrumental in achieving this balance flawlessly. She’s the initial character we encounter in the movie, she features prominently throughout its narrative, and her actions significantly impact the “Thunderbolts*” final scenes.

One intriguing character introduced in the MCU following Endgame, Yelena possesses the abilities fitting for a hero, yet carries the turmoil, apprehensions, and self-effacing wit that make her seem less than flawless. Indeed, she delivers numerous action scenes throughout the film’s duration, but it is her emotional depth and personal struggles that truly stand out as she navigates life’s complexities.

But I Kept Finding Myself More And More Invested In John Walker’s Story

In the movie, despite Yelena Belova and other Thunderbolts members being impressive, I found myself drawn to Wyatt Russell’s character, John Walker, or “State-sponsored Captain America,” also known as U.S. Agent, particularly during the intense and memorable vault sequence. His mix of witty comments, villainous actions, and unstable demeanor added depth to the action scene (and later ones), but one specific moment changed my perspective on him.

The incident occurred as a result of his encounter with Lewis Pullman’s character, Bob. This interaction caused him to be suddenly whisked away to one of his most painful memories and regrettable moments – not battlefield tragedies or the scene from Falcon and the Winter Soldier where he violently killed someone using his shield, but rather to a time when he struggled with his public image and failed at being a good father at home.

His Transformation From A Villain In Falcon And The Winter Soldier To A Hero In Thunderbolts* Was So Fulfilling

In the Marvel series “Thunderbolts,” many of the main characters were once villains or morally questionable figures, with John Walker being a prime example. His actions in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” demonstrate this particularly well – he cold-bloodedly murdered a man using his shield while a horrified crowd looked on. I initially believed that this character would never be able to make amends for his past misdeeds. However, by the end of the series, we see signs of his transformation, though he doesn’t fully correct his errors even by the climactic post-credits scene.

The emotional, satisfying, and entertaining journey of this character in “Thunderbolts” truly stood out, and this exceptional member of the New Avengers, with his distinctive hat, is undeniably heading towards becoming an outstanding version of himself; a self that can be admired without dwelling on his troubled history.

The Vision Where He’s Transported Back To His Son’s Room Was So Heartbreaking

In Thunderbolts,* when different characters interacted with Bob, they were often met with gloomy, foreboding, and sorrowful images. However, the scene that resonates most deeply for me is John Walker’s recollection of his poor or neglectful fatherhood. Sitting there, engrossed in his phone, scanning news about his downfall while his son pleads and cries for any sign of affection, was excruciatingly poignant, heart-wrenching, and authentic. In a movie filled with an unstable super soldier who transports people to chambers of embarrassment, this realistic touch added considerable depth.

Despite its brief duration, the scene has left a powerful impression on me that lingers hours later (and I suspect it may take days, if not weeks, for the impact to fully dissipate), which is surprising given it’s about a comedy book film featuring a team of reformed villains who have taken over as the new Avengers.

And I Feel Like I’m Obligated To Give Wyatt Russell Praise For His Comedic Timing In Thunderbolts

In a departure from the somber tones often associated with John Walker in Thunderbolts, he proves to be one of the most hilarious Marvel characters in recent memory. The scene where he’s involved in a brawl inside a vault alongside Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) eclectic group, sent to eliminate each other for reasons that could prevent the CIA director from being impeached and indicted, is brimming with uproarious moments. U.S. Agent’s antics, such as his self-centered behavior, his bewilderment about who was supposed to kill whom, and everything else about him in this sequence, make for top-notch comedy.

It’s not too unexpected given that Wyatt Russell is the offspring of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. So, it seems comedy runs in his blood as a second-generation talent. Perhaps that accounts for the cheeky grin he flashes while sporting the ridiculous hat in the movie’s closing scene. I expect we’ll be seeing that hat more often when Avengers: Doomsday premieres next year.

After witnessing such a transformation in John Walker through the “Thunderbolts”, I’m eagerly anticipating how his character will develop further in the not-so-distant future.

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2025-05-07 03:03