Sources revealed to Deadline Oscar-nominated The Walking Dead star Stephen Yeun will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the Thunderbolts movie. While his role is still unknown, the source said he will play an important role that could extend to future Marvel projects.
In the comics, the Thunderbolts are a group of superhero villains who are sent on missions by the government. Previously announced co-stars include: Florence Pugh (Jelena Belova), Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier), David Harbor (Red Guardian), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Valentina Allegra de Fontaine), Wyatt Russell (US Agent) and Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost). and Olga Kurylenko (Task Master). Ayo Edebiri of The Bear also joined the cast in an undisclosed role.
Thunderbolts is directed by Jake Schreyer with a screenplay by Black Widow creator Eric Pearson. It is scheduled to be shown in cinemas on July 26, 2024.
Yoon is best known for playing Ling in the AMC series The Walking Dead from 2010 to 2016. After leaving the series, he acted in films such as Okja, Sorry to Bother You, and Minari, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Other notable works he has been involved in include Tuca & Bertie, Invincible, and the movie Nope.
As for his future work, Yoon will star alongside Ali Wong in the Netflix series Beef and A24, as well as the sci-fi thriller Mickey 17 directed by Bong Joon-ho.