The upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, *Thunderbolts\**, remains a tantalizing mystery, but the latest Big Game trailer has given fans a glimpse into what we can expect. While the plot details remain under wraps, the trailer showcases Lewis Pullman as Bob, aka The Sentry, a character who is set to make his MCU debut. With his Superman-like abilities, The Sentry's introduction into the MCU promises to be a thrilling yet terrifying addition to the universe.
Who is The Sentry, and why is he considered both the Marvel Universe's greatest hero and its worst nightmare? Let's delve into the complex history of this mentally unstable hero and explore how he might fit into the plot of Thunderbolts*. Here are the key topics we'll cover:
Who Is Lewis Pullman’s Thunderbolts* Character The Sentry?The Sentry’s Powers and AbilitiesThe Sentry’s Secret OriginThe Sentry As an AvengerHow The Sentry Fits Into the Thunderbolts* Movie
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Who Is Lewis Pullman’s Thunderbolts* Character The Sentry?
The Sentry, portrayed by Lewis Pullman, is a character of immense power and danger within the Marvel Universe. Originally an ordinary man named Bob Reynolds, he gained his abilities from a serum that endowed him with "the power of a million exploding suns." However, this power came with a sinister counterpart: The Void, a dark alter ego that mirrors every heroic act with an evil deed. Bob's struggle to maintain his sanity against The Void's influence is a constant battle, making him a hero who is as dangerous as he is powerful.
The Sentry’s Powers and Abilities
The Sentry's powers derive from an experimental serum designed post-World War II as an alternative to the Super Soldier Serum. This serum accelerates his molecules slightly forward in time, granting him a vast array of abilities. His strength rivals that of Hulk and Thor, and he possesses flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near invulnerability. Additionally, The Sentry can absorb and project energy, enabling feats such as energy blasts and teleportation. As The Void, his powers escalate to include shape-shifting, weather control, and mind infestation, making him a formidable and unpredictable force.
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 of the same name. The series portrayed him as a forgotten hero, with even Bob Reynolds himself unaware of his past as "The Golden Guardian of Good." Upon regaining his memories, Bob also reawakens The Void, his nemesis. The narrative weaves The Sentry into Marvel's historical continuity, revealing that the world was made to forget him to shield it from The Void. Bob ultimately erases the collective memory of The Sentry again to contain his dark side, though it remains unclear if he retains his own memories.
The Sentry As an Avenger
After the initial miniseries, The Sentry became a recurring figure in the Marvel Universe, joining the New Avengers in 2004. Initially a self-imposed prisoner at The Raft, he intervened during a massive jailbreak and reluctantly joined the team. Despite his power, The Sentry's struggle with The Void continued. During the Civil War, he sided with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, aware of the dangers of unchecked power. His involvement in World War Hulk was crucial, but his downfall came during the Dark Reign storyline, where Norman Osborn manipulated him into joining the Dark Avengers. The Sentry's unleashed fury during the Siege event led to his death, but subsequent stories have seen him resurrected, exploring the dual nature of his powers and identity.
How The Sentry Fits Into the Thunderbolts* Movie
The Sentry has had limited exposure outside comics, mainly in mobile games like Marvel Puzzle Quest and Marvel Snap. However, Lewis Pullman's casting marks his entry into the MCU in Thunderbolts*. Originally, Steven Yeun was set to play The Sentry, but scheduling conflicts following the movie's delay from 2024 to 2025 led to Pullman's casting. The film, set to release in May 2025, features The Sentry alongside MCU stars like Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, and David Harbour.
While specifics about The Sentry's role in Thunderbolts* are scarce, his comic history suggests he could start as a member of the team, only to become a formidable adversary if The Void takes over. Given the Thunderbolts' less super-powered lineup, confronting The Sentry would be a significant challenge. Julia Louis-Dreyfus' character, Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, might attempt to harness The Sentry's power, akin to Norman Osborn's manipulation in the comics. The film may also explore The Sentry's forgotten hero status and his parallels to DC's Superman.
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As we approach the May 2025 release of Thunderbolts*, the exact nature of The Sentry's involvement remains a thrilling mystery. Will he be portrayed as a forgotten hero with deep ties to the MCU, or will his dual nature as hero and villain be the central focus? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: The Sentry's arrival in the MCU promises to shake things up in a big way.
For more insights into the future of the MCU, check out our detailed analysis of the ending of Deadpool & Wolverine and a comprehensive list of all Marvel movies and shows currently in development.
Note: this article was originally published on November 17, 2023 and updated on September 23, 2024 with the latest information about Thunderbolts\.
