Steven Yeun Discusses Joining Marvel’s Thunderbolts: Exclusive

Steven Yeun has gone from strength to strength ever since leaving The Walking Dead with one of the most notorious character deaths of all time, turning in standout performances in films like Burning, Minari, and last year’s Nope by Jordan Peele. He was recently introduced as the newest cast member of Phase 5 closing Thunderbolts, and soon he will join the ranks of the MCU. As we all know, the movie will bring together characters like Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, Taskmaster, Red Guardian, and more in a less-than-heroic alliance, with Yeun now thrown into the mix as well.

RELATED: Marvel Fans Excited for Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror

For the actor, whose part in Thunderbolts is now under wraps, it was a chance to work with Jake Schreier again on Beef, a new Netflix series in which Yeun co-stars with Ali Wong. I’m not sure if joining the MCU was specifically on my bucket list, Yeun tells Empire. “It was more about the plot and working with director Jake Schreier again after he directed Beef. I was drawn to the movie because the intentions of the specific role they wanted me to play were extremely obvious. Who will that be, though? a role for a villain? Someone in the Thunderbolt Ross orbit of Harrison Ford? A new hire for Val from Julia Louis-Dreyfus? Keep tuned…

Before to that, Yeun will appear in Bong Joon-eagerly Ho’s anticipated Parasite sequel Mickey 17; Okja marked his first collaboration with the Oscar-winning director. Yeun claims, “I genuinely learned so much from him. He allows me to have this sense of camaraderie with him, which I truly value. I recall turning to him while we were filming my final scene in [Mickey 17] and saying, “I learned a lot… and thank you. He assures that the outcomes will be exceptional. It was an amazing set to be a part of.

The Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse issue, available on sale on Thursday, March 16, contains the complete Empire interview with Steven Yeun, in which he discusses Beef, his MCU debut, and his forthcoming assignments. Join an Empire member now to access the issue in full on launch day, or pre-order the issue online immediately here. On April 6, Netflix will release Beef.