- Wednesday, May 07, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Geraldine Viswanathan might not be wearing a cape, but her role in Marvel’s Thunderbolts* is proving to be a game-changer — not just for the franchise, but for the rising Australian star herself.
At just 29, Viswanathan has had the kind of Hollywood rise that many young creatives in Australia can only dream of. From quirky local productions and comedy sketches in Sydney’s university circuit to rubbing shoulders with Florence Pugh and Julia Louis-Dreyfus in a Marvel blockbuster, her journey is as unpredictable as it is inspiring.
In the mid-2010s, she was hustling through bit parts like a supporting role in Emo: The Musical, delivering stand-up comedy sets at the University of Sydney’s student bar, and performing with Sydney’s feminist comedy troupe Freudian Nip.
She was just two weeks into training to be a presenter at Australia’s triple j radio when everything changed. A call came through that would alter the course of her career — a starring role in the comedy Blockers, alongside John Cena and Leslie Mann.
“It was wild. I was excited to host at triple j, but I remember emailing [former content director] Ollie Wards saying, ‘I think I have to go do a film with John Cena. I don’t know when I’ll be back but love you!’” she told ABC Entertainment.
Since then, Viswanathan has made steady strides in Hollywood, appearing in a range of projects from Sundance darlings to dramas led by Hugh Jackman, and now, into the cinematic behemoth that is the Marvel Universe.
Her entry into Thunderbolts* was anything but conventional. She stepped in for Emmy-winning actor Ayo Edebiri, who had to exit the project due to scheduling conflicts. Viswanathan, who was sick in bed at the time, got a surprise Zoom call from director Jake Schreier.
“I was in a sea of tissues when he pitched the movie and the role of Mel to me. You can’t read the script before signing on, so I was just kind of trusting him,” she said. “At the end of the call, he asked if I wanted to do it, and I was like, ‘Are you asking me to join the Marvel Universe?! Yes, of course!’”
Thunderbolts* arrives at a crucial time for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After several box office disappointments in Phase Five, the franchise needed a hit. Positioned as a bridge to the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, the film defied expectations, earning $162 million in its opening weekend and gaining praise for its fresh storytelling and compelling characters.
Viswanathan plays Mel, the highly competent assistant to CIA head Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Mel is always armed with an iPad, ready to take orders — whether it’s fetching coffee or eliminating classified threats. But as Val’s schemes grow darker, Mel finds herself questioning where her loyalties lie.
“It was really exciting to see Mel’s arc unfold,” she said. “She’s relatable — especially for young people who are ambitious and smart and want to be a force of good. It’s also really cool that this film explores power dynamics between two women in such a nuanced way.”
Despite being surrounded by veteran actors and huge set pieces, Viswanathan held her own. “It was like theatre — hundreds of extras, helicopters, choreographed chaos. I had a moment where I thought, ‘If I mess this up, the entire set has to reset.’ But it was also an incredible challenge.”
Working alongside Louis-Dreyfus was a masterclass in itself. “She’s Julia Louis-Dreyfus — she could cruise if she wanted to, but she’s so precise and thoughtful with everything. She gives it her all.”
Although she doesn’t play a superhero in the traditional sense, Mel becomes a pivotal player in the Thunderbolts lineup, a character whose intelligence and inner conflict make her one of the film’s standouts.
Reflecting on her journey, Viswanathan shared what she would tell her younger self, back in the days of awkward fashion and open mics: “Keep going, don’t stress — it’s all going to be fine. It’s all going to unfold. Also, maybe invest in better pants — I was really into unflattering, high-waisted ones back then!”
With Thunderbolts* reinvigorating Marvel’s cinematic narrative and Viswanathan receiving rave reviews, it’s safe to say that this Aussie talent has arrived — and she’s here to stay.
