Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts film remains largely mysterious, but the recent Big Game trailer offers a glimpse into the MCU team-up. While plot details remain scarce, the trailer provides a closer look at Lewis Pullman as Bob, aka The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero's MCU debut promises significant consequences for the world.
Who is The Sentry, and why is he both the Marvel Universe's greatest hero and its worst nightmare? Let's delve into the history of this mentally unstable hero and explore his potential role in Thunderbolts. This article covers:
- Who is Lewis Pullman's Thunderbolts character, The Sentry?
- The Sentry's powers and abilities
- The Sentry's secret origin
- The Sentry as an Avenger
- How The Sentry fits into the Thunderbolts movie
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show
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Who Is Lewis Pullman’s Thunderbolts Character The Sentry?
The Sentry is arguably the Marvel Universe's most powerful, and most dangerous, superhero. Once an ordinary man named Bob Reynolds, he consumed a serum granting him "the power of a million exploding suns." This immense power comes at a terrible cost: a dark, malevolent alter ego known as The Void. For every good deed The Sentry performs, The Void commits an equally evil act. Bob Reynolds is locked in a constant, losing battle against his inner darkness, yet when a powerful hero is needed, none are better suited than The Sentry.
The Sentry’s Powers and Abilities
The Sentry's powers originate from an experimental serum, a post-World War II attempt to create a Super Soldier Serum alternative. This serum reportedly accelerates his molecules forward in time, granting him an almost limitless array of abilities. His strength rivals the Hulk and Thor; he possesses flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near-invulnerability. He can absorb and project energy, enabling feats like energy blasts, teleportation, and subduing even the Hulk. Essentially, he's Marvel's answer to Superman.
As The Void, Bob becomes even more powerful and terrifying. This shape-shifting, demonic entity controls weather, infiltrates minds, and has withstood the combined might of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. Even banishment to the sun proves only a temporary solution.
The Sentry Cheat Sheet
- First Appearance: The Sentry #1 (2000)
- Creators: Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, & Jae Lee
- Aliases: The Void, Golden Man, The Golden Guardian of Good
- Current Team: None (formerly New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, Dark Avengers)
- Recommended Reading: The Sentry Vol. 1, Age of the Sentry, Dark Avengers, Siege
The Sentry’s Secret Origin
Created by Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, and Jae Lee, The Sentry debuted in the 2000 miniseries. Initially presented as a forgotten hero, even Bob Reynolds—a middle-aged, overweight man—doesn't remember his past as "The Golden Guardian of Good." Upon regaining his memories, he rediscovers his nemesis, The Void. The Sentry's history with characters like the Hulk and Fantastic Four is retroactively woven into Marvel continuity.
The Sentry and The Void are revealed to be two sides of the same coin. The world forgot The Sentry to protect itself from The Void. Bob is forced to repeat this act, erasing the world's memory of The Sentry to contain his dark side. The series leaves ambiguous whether Bob himself truly forgets his superhuman identities.
The Sentry As an Avenger
While the original Sentry miniseries was self-contained, the character later became a recurring figure in the Marvel Universe. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, alongside Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage. Despite being a powerful asset, he struggles to maintain his sanity and control The Void.
During the Civil War, The Sentry sided with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, understanding the dangers of unchecked power. He played a crucial role in combating the Hulk during World War Hulk.
His downfall begins in Dark Reign (2009), where Norman Osborn recruits him for the Dark Avengers. Osborn's gamble to control The Sentry fails, leading to The Void's unleashing during Siege (2010). The Sentry's life is ultimately sacrificed to save Asgard. Since then, he's been resurrected and killed multiple times, with ongoing narratives exploring his powers and the true nature of his dual identities. He was killed again in 2020's King in Black, and Marvel's 2023 The Sentry series explores a new host for his power.
How The Sentry Fits Into the Thunderbolts Movie
Beyond a few mobile games, The Sentry has had limited exposure outside of comics. Lewis Pullman's casting marks his MCU debut. He won't star in a solo film or series (yet), but appears in 2025's Thunderbolts alongside Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian.
The Sentry's precise role remains unclear, but his comic book history suggests a blend of powerful hero and terrifying villain. He might initially be a member of the Thunderbolts, only to become their worst nightmare. His immense power presents a monumental challenge for the team.
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Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might manipulate The Sentry, similar to Norman Osborn's actions in the comics. If Thunderbolts mirrors Suicide Squad, The Sentry could be the film's Enchantress.
The film's handling of The Sentry's forgotten past and his Superman-esque nature remains to be seen. Further details will emerge closer to the May 2025 release date.
Note: this article was originally published on November 17, 2023 and updated on September 23, 2024 with the latest information about Thunderbolts.
