Wyatt Russell may have been born into Hollywood royalty, but he’s carved a cinematic path that’s all his own. From gritty war thrillers to psychological comedies and a breakout Marvel role, his filmography spans genres and audiences.
He’s more than a legacy name. With roles in fan-favorite indie films, horror hybrids, and billion-dollar franchises, Wyatt has become one of the most intriguing performers of his generation. This guide will help you explore the films that defined his rising career and spotlight the roles that truly made him stand out.
1. Thunderbolts (2025)
What happens when a Marvel anti-hero team-up meets the son of Kurt Russell? You get Thunderbolts, and Wyatt Russell takes center stage. Set to release on May 2, 2025, this film isn’t just a blockbuster—it’s a career-defining moment.
Wyatt reprises his role as John Walker, aka US Agent, in a cast stacked with anti-heroes and misfits. And here’s the kicker: its opening weekend already hit a staggering $74.3 million across 4,330 theaters, and it quickly surged to a worldwide total of $172.9 million. That’s not just box office gold—that’s Marvel-level dominance.
Personally, I was skeptical when Wyatt first took on the US Agent role—it was bold, even risky—but he delivered such a layered, emotionally unpredictable performance that it flipped the entire narrative. Critics have called him “the dark horse of Phase Five,” and Variety even spotlighted him as Marvel’s next big wildcard. But what happens when a character meant to be hated starts trending as a fan favorite?
That’s the part they don’t tell you… And I want to hear from you—do you think Wyatt’s John Walker deserves redemption, or is he Marvel’s next big villain in disguise? Drop your take in the comments, and stay tuned because up next is a horror-thriller that put Wyatt on the map in a whole different way.
2. Night Swim (2024)
Would you dare take a dip in a haunted pool? That’s exactly what Night Swim dares to ask—and Wyatt Russell brings a haunting edge to the role that few expected from him.
Released on January 5, 2024, the film opened with $11.7 million and swam its way to a worldwide gross of $54.7 million. But here’s what really stands out: the domestic share was nearly 60 percent—a sign that U.S. audiences were hooked. And I get it—there’s something about Wyatt’s presence here that lingers. He plays a father trying to hold his family together as supernatural chaos unfolds, and the emotional intensity is just as gripping as the horror.
What’s wild is that horror blogs and fan forums have started calling this “one of the most underappreciated genre performances of the year.” Even Bloody Disgusting praised Wyatt’s ability to “ground fear in realism.” Watching this, I couldn’t help but feel like he was channeling something personal—like this wasn’t just acting, it was a man confronting fear head-on.
So now I’m curious—have you seen Night Swim? And do you think horror might be the genre where Wyatt shines the most? Let’s talk about it in the comments. Coming up next, we’re heading back in time to World War II for a film that blends horror and history in one explosive package—you won’t want to miss Overlord.
3. Overlord (2018)
It starts like a war film. It ends like a nightmare. Overlord dropped in 2018 and turned heads for mixing World War II chaos with zombie terror—and right in the thick of it was Wyatt Russell, leading the charge.
With an opening weekend of $10.2 million and a worldwide box office of $39.1 million, this wasn’t just another genre mashup—it became a cult classic in the making. And here’s a personal take: I didn’t expect Wyatt to go this dark, this intense, and this physical. He plays Corporal Ford, and let me tell you, the guy gives off serious “young Snake Plissken” vibes—tough, gritty, and quietly heroic.
Fans on Reddit have been comparing his performance to early-era Kurt Russell in The Thing—and that’s no small praise. Overlord might not have broken the bank, but it broke expectations.
And here’s the part that will surprise you—some film buffs argue this is his real breakout, not Marvel. Do you agree? Could this have been his audition tape for something bigger? Let’s hear your thoughts. Up next: a nostalgic throwback that might make you want to party like it’s the 1980s.
4. Everybody Wants Some (2016)
If you’ve ever wondered what Wyatt Russell looks like in a mustache and a baseball uniform while delivering some of the chillest one-liners in cinema, Everybody Wants Some is the answer. Released in 2016, this college baseball comedy might have flown under the radar, but it carved out a devoted following—and Wyatt was one of the standouts.
Though it opened modestly with $312,000, it still earned $3.4 million domestically and $5.4 million worldwide, which is impressive for a film with limited release. And here’s what really counts: it became a cult favorite, with director Richard Linklater calling the cast “a once-in-a-generation ensemble.” Wyatt’s character brings an old-soul energy to a group of young jocks partying through the 1980s.
Watching this, I couldn’t help but see shades of his real-life personality—laid-back, observant, and just a little eccentric. It’s not a box office smash, but sometimes the best performances are the ones that stick with you long after the credits roll. Ever seen a movie that made you feel like you were reliving your youth? This might be it. And next—get ready for a movie that dives deep into the twisted world of Instagram fame and identity. You guessed it—we’re talking Ingrid Goes West.
5. Ingrid Goes West (2017)
What happens when social media obsession spirals into madness? Ingrid Goes West answers that question with dark humor and uncomfortable truths—and Wyatt Russell plays a key role in keeping it all grounded.
Released in August 2017, the film had a modest opening of $135,000, but went on to earn over $3 million in the U.S., with a domestic share of more than 92 percent. That’s right—nearly all of its earnings came from American viewers, a sign of just how culturally relevant it was. Wyatt’s character, Dan Pinto, is a Batman-obsessed landlord and probably one of the most likable people in the entire movie. And here’s my personal take: it’s rare to see Wyatt flex his comedy muscles this subtly, but he nails it.
Critics praised the film for its biting commentary on influencer culture, and his character added just the right dose of normalcy to balance the chaos. Ingrid Goes West was even awarded the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance.
So here’s a question—do you think Wyatt should lean more into quirky indie roles like this, or stick with the big studio blockbusters? Let me know, and stick around because coming up next is the film that brought him face-to-face with Channing Tatum—yes, we’re talking 22 Jump Street.
6. 22 Jump Street (2014)
You’ve seen him serious, you’ve seen him scary—but in 22 Jump Street, Wyatt Russell goes full frat bro. Playing Zook, the ultra-charismatic quarterback with a surprisingly soft side, Wyatt holds his own alongside comedy powerhouses like Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. The film was a massive success, raking in over $191.7 million domestically and crossing the $331 million mark worldwide.
That’s blockbuster territory—and Wyatt’s comedic timing was one of the unexpected highlights. I still remember the first time I saw it in theaters—everyone laughed out loud during the “poetry slam” scene. He gave Zook more dimension than you’d expect in a character that could’ve easily been a stereotype.
Entertainment Weekly even called him “the breakout frat MVP.” This role introduced him to a mainstream audience, and if you rewatch it now, you’ll notice just how much screen presence he brought to the table—even with limited screen time.
So what do you think: Was 22 Jump Street Wyatt’s funniest performance to date? Or does he have something even better in the works? Next up is a film that might have slipped past your radar—but it’s pure Judd Apatow magic.
7. This is 40 (2012)
In This is 40, Wyatt Russell doesn’t steal the show—but he definitely leaves a mark. Playing a flirty hockey player in this Judd Apatow mid-life crisis comedy, Wyatt gets a brief yet memorable moment of screen time. The film pulled in $67.5 million in the U.S., with a worldwide gross of $90.2 million.
It’s not a traditional Wyatt Russell showcase, but it’s one of his earliest roles and gives us a glimpse of his ease in front of the camera—even back in 2012. What I love about this is how it shows his willingness to start from the ground up. No ego, no shortcuts—just a guy putting in the work and building his resume.
And fans of Apatow’s signature mix of humor and heart will appreciate the tone. Do you remember seeing him in this one? Or did you only realize it was Wyatt on a rewatch? Let me know in the comments, and up next—get ready for a film about wedding drama, awkward reunions, and one of Wyatt’s most underrated performances.
8. Table 19 (2017)
Imagine being seated at the worst table at a wedding—and falling in love. That’s Table 19, a quirky comedy where Wyatt Russell plays Teddy, the ex-boyfriend of Anna Kendrick’s character. With a domestic take of $3.6 million and a worldwide haul of $4.6 million, it didn’t light up the box office—but it hit a sweet spot for fans of offbeat romance and ensemble casts.
Wyatt brings a surprising emotional depth to a character that could’ve been forgettable. And here’s something cool—Rotten Tomatoes may have been mixed, but audience reviews frequently single out his performance as one of the most genuine in the film. Personally, I loved how he balanced charm and vulnerability here.
It reminded me that Wyatt isn’t afraid to let his guard down on screen, which is rare in today’s leading men. Do you think more romantic comedies need actors like Wyatt? I’d say yes. Now, we’re wrapping up this countdown with a quick recap—but before we do, I want to hear from you: which Wyatt Russell performance surprised you the most?
Conclusion
Wyatt Russell’s acting journey showcases a dynamic blend of bold choices and strategic roles—from ensemble-driven comedies like 22 Jump Street to leading Marvel’s Thunderbolts. Whether you’re a fan of genre-defying performances or looking to discover his lesser-known gems, this list is a definitive guide to his top films.
