Wyatt Russell, the Marvel Cinematic Universe actor best known for portraying John Walker/U.S. Agent in Disney+ series and upcoming films, recently shared his surprise that many fans remain unaware he is the son of Hollywood legend Kurt Russell.

During a fan Q&A event tied to the promotion of Apple TV+'s "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" Season 2, which returns today, Feb. 27, Wyatt read aloud viral social media reactions from viewers shocked to learn the real-life father-son connection. One fan's response, accompanied by a stunned Pikachu GIF, highlighted the confusion after discovering Wyatt plays the younger version of Kurt's character, Colonel Lee Shaw, in the MonsterVerse series.

Wyatt Russell
Wyatt Russell

"I've had people who are like, 'Oh wow, you're actually his son,'" Wyatt said, according to reports from outlets covering the event. "You just assume that after 17 years of being in the public eye that most people would know." He added that the realization hits "a lot" more often than expected, with fewer people making the connection than he anticipated.

Kurt Russell, sitting alongside his son during the session, laughed at the revelation and admitted it was the first time he'd heard such comments directly. The exchange underscored a lighthearted moment amid ongoing promotion for the show's second season, which reunites the duo in their dual roles portraying different eras of the same military officer investigating Titans and government conspiracies.

Wyatt, 39, is the biological son of Kurt Russell and actress Goldie Hawn. Born July 10, 1986, in Los Angeles, he was named after the historical figure Wyatt Earp, reflecting his father's interest in Western lore. While Kurt and Goldie never married, they have maintained a long-term relationship since 1983, raising Wyatt alongside Goldie's children from a previous marriage, actors Kate and Oliver Hudson, and Kurt's son Boston from his earlier marriage to Season Hubley.

Wyatt's path to acting followed a detour through professional sports. He played hockey as a goaltender, including stints in junior leagues, before injuries shifted his focus to performing. His breakout roles included "Overlord" (2018) and AMC's "Lodge 49," but Marvel fame arrived with "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" (2021), where he portrayed the conflicted super-soldier John Walker. He reprised the role in the 2025 film "Thunderbolts*" and is set to appear in "Avengers: Doomsday" in 2026.

Kurt, 74, has his own Marvel history, voicing Ego the Living Planet in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017) and making appearances in the animated "What If...?" series. Father and son have occasionally shared insights about their MCU experiences, with Wyatt recalling Kurt's practical advice before joining Marvel: ensure the costume allows easy bathroom access and avoid overeating during long shoots in heavy suits.

The recent comments come as "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" builds buzz for its Season 2 premiere. The Apple TV+ series, part of Legendary's MonsterVerse alongside "Godzilla" and "Kong" films, features the Russells in non-overlapping timelines, with Wyatt as the ambitious young Shaw and Kurt as the older, more jaded version. Promotion has included joint appearances, such as on late-night shows and premieres, where the pair's easy rapport has charmed audiences.

Wyatt has spoken about initial hesitation to work with his father, citing a desire to establish his own career first. In recent interviews, including one with Entertainment Tonight, he explained waiting years before collaborating, joking about family dynamics on set. Kurt has praised his son's work ethic, while Wyatt has highlighted the joy of sharing projects with family.

The viral fan reactions have amused the Hollywood community, with social media clips from the Q&A circulating widely. Some fans expressed genuine surprise, while others noted the physical resemblance — Wyatt's recent clean-shaven look at a premiere made him appear even more like his father. Despite the family ties being public knowledge for decades, the revelation continues to catch casual viewers off guard, especially those discovering the pair through streaming hits rather than classic films.

Kurt's career spans decades, from Disney child star in the 1960s to action icons in "Escape from New York," "The Thing" and "Tombstone." Goldie Hawn's comedic legacy in films like "Private Benjamin" adds to the family's entertainment pedigree. Wyatt, married to actress Meredith Hagner since 2019, is father to two young sons, Buddy and Boone, extending the next generation.

As "Monarch" Season 2 launches, the father-son duo's story adds a personal layer to the sci-fi spectacle. Wyatt's candid admission highlights how even in an era of instant information, some connections remain surprisingly under the radar for parts of the audience.

The moment serves as a reminder of the blend between personal legacy and professional achievement in Hollywood, where family ties can both open doors and create unexpected moments of discovery for fans.