Wyatt Russell, the star of the upcoming Marvel film Thunderbolts, is embracing the challenges and joys of fatherhood, revealing how it has transformed his perspective on life and family. In a recent interview, the 38-year-old actor opened up about his experiences as a father of two sons, Buddy Prine and Boone Joseph, and how they have deepened his appreciation for his own parents, Hollywood legends Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn.
Speaking at a press junket for Thunderbolts, which is set to hit theaters on May 2, 2025, Russell reflected on the emotional shift that comes with becoming a parent. “When you become a parent, you realize what your parents feel about you,” he shared with PEOPLE. “All they want is for you to be happy. They want you to live a fulfilled life, and that’s all you care about for your kids. I’m imagining that’s all my parents care about.”
Russell’s journey into fatherhood began with the birth of his first son, Buddy, in March 2021. He described the experience as “incredible,” stating, “It’s everything you didn’t know it was going to be.” He elaborated, “Biologically, I think it does something to your brain where you just erase half your life before you’ve lived there.”
In February 2024, Russell and his wife, Meredith Hagner, welcomed their second son, Boone Joseph, who weighed 8 pounds 3 oz at birth. Hagner announced the joyful news on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt photo of their newborn. She wrote, “Boone Joseph Russell. Born Feb 13, a week before his due date. 8 pounds 3 oz of heaven. Hearts overflowing.❤️”
As he prepares for the release of Thunderbolts, Russell continues to grow not just as an actor but as a devoted father. His role in the film sees him reprising the character of John Walker, a part he first took on in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The actor humorously noted the extreme secrecy surrounding Marvel projects, likening the media training for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday to “having a knife held to your neck.”
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on April 28, 2025, Russell discussed how filming Thunderbolts helped him navigate the transition to being a father of two. He expressed his initial fears about managing a newborn while working, saying, “I had a week-old baby, and I thought I was going to, you know, basically ruin him.” However, he found comfort in the camaraderie with his fellow cast members, including Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Florence Pugh, and Hannah John-Kamen. “That helped me transition into being a father for the second time,” he admitted, highlighting how the experience made him feel more connected to his family.
Russell’s reflections on parenthood resonate deeply with his own upbringing. He noted that becoming a father has allowed him to relate more closely to the feelings his parents had for him. “You realize that all they want you to be is happy,” he reiterated. “They want you to live a fulfilled life, and that’s all you care about for your kids.”
As the release date for Thunderbolts approaches, Wyatt Russell is not only focused on his career but also on the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood. He has come to appreciate the profound impact that parenting has on his life, stating, “It’s about him and your family and trying to balance everything, and time, and new, amazing problems, amazing issues to have.”
With the film industry continually evolving and his family growing, Russell is navigating this new chapter with grace and humor. His candid discussions about fatherhood and the challenges it brings reveal a relatable side to the actor, who is often recognized for his roles in high-profile projects.
As Russell prepares to reprise his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he remains grounded in his family life. His journey illustrates the balancing act many working parents face, especially those in demanding careers like acting. The support of his wife, Hagner, and the joy of watching their children grow have become central to his life, making every moment spent with them all the more precious.
In an industry known for its fast pace and relentless pressures, Wyatt Russell’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the love that binds them together. With every new experience as a father, he gains a deeper understanding of the values instilled in him by his own parents, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. As he continues to pursue his career and embrace fatherhood, Russell exemplifies the profound connections that shape our lives.
