The anticipation for Marvel's upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie is palpable, especially after the latest Big Game trailer gave us a glimpse of Lewis Pullman as Bob, aka The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero is set to make his MCU debut, and fans should brace themselves for a thrilling and possibly terrifying experience.
Who exactly is The Sentry, and why does he embody both the pinnacle of heroism and the epitome of fear within the Marvel Universe? Let's delve into the complex history of this mentally unstable hero and explore how he might fit into the *Thunderbolts* narrative. Here, we cover several key aspects:
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 arguably the most powerful and dangerous superhero in the Marvel Universe. Originally an ordinary man named Bob Reynolds, he gained "the power of a million exploding suns" after consuming an experimental serum. However, this immense power comes with a dark side: The Void, a malevolent alter ego that counteracts every good deed The Sentry performs. Bob's struggle to maintain his sanity and control The Void is a constant battle, yet his unmatched strength makes him an invaluable asset when the world needs a hero.
The Sentry’s Powers and Abilities
The Sentry's powers originate from a serum designed as a potential successor to the Super Soldier Serum. This serum accelerates his molecules an instant forward in time, granting him an extensive range of abilities. His strength rivals that of the Hulk and Thor, he can fly and move at incredible speeds, and he possesses enhanced senses and near invulnerability. Additionally, The Sentry can absorb and project energy, enabling feats like energy blasts, teleportation, and even calming a rampaging Hulk. As The Void, his powers become even more formidable and dangerous, capable of controlling the weather and invading minds, withstanding the combined might of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four.
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
Introduced in the 2000 miniseries The Sentry, created by Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, and Jae Lee, Bob Reynolds is initially an unassuming, overweight man who doesn't recall his past as the hero known as "The Golden Guardian of Good." As he regains his memories and transforms back into The Sentry, he discovers that his nemesis, The Void, has also returned. The series establishes his connections with other Marvel characters and retroactively integrates The Sentry into the Marvel continuity. It's revealed that The Sentry and The Void are two sides of the same coin, and the world was made to forget him to protect itself from The Void's wrath. Bob ultimately erases the world's memory of him once more, though it remains unclear if he himself forgets his dual identities.
Art by Bryan Hitch. (Image Credit: Marvel)
The Sentry As an Avenger
After the original miniseries, The Sentry joined the Marvel Universe in a more significant capacity, officially becoming an Avenger in 2004's New Avengers. He was introduced as a self-imposed prisoner at The Raft who steps in to stop a massive supervillain jailbreak, later joining the team. Despite his power, The Sentry's ongoing battle to maintain his sanity and control The Void remains a central theme. During the 2006 Civil War, he aligns with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, aware of the havoc unchecked power can cause. His involvement is crucial in World War Hulk in 2007. However, his downfall begins in the 2009 Dark Reign storyline, where Norman Osborn manipulates him into joining the "Dark Avengers," leading to The Void's unleashing during the 2010 Siege. Despite multiple resurrections and deaths, including in 2020's King in Black, The Sentry's story continues to explore the duality of his powers and identities.
Art by Olivier Coipel. (Image Credit: Marvel)
How The Sentry Fits Into the Thunderbolts Movie
While The Sentry has primarily been a comic book character, with minor appearances in mobile games like Marvel Puzzle Quest and Marvel Snap, his MCU debut in Thunderbolts is eagerly anticipated. Originally, Steven Yeun was set to portray The Sentry, but scheduling conflicts led to his departure following the film's delay to 2025. Lewis Pullman steps into the role, joining a cast including Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes, Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova, and David Harbour's Red Guardian.
Though the specifics of The Sentry's role in Thunderbolts remain under wraps, his comic history suggests he could start as a team member, only to become a formidable adversary when he loses control. The film might explore his dual nature, making him a central figure in this twisted super-team narrative. Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, might attempt to control The Sentry, akin to Norman Osborn's manipulation in the comics, leading to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes. The movie could also delve into The Sentry's forgotten hero status and his ties to the broader superhero community, possibly positioning him as a dark mirror to DC's Superman.
As we approach the May 2025 release of Thunderbolts, more details will undoubtedly surface. For now, fans can stay updated with our coverage on the MCU, including the ending of Deadpool & Wolverine and the slate of upcoming Marvel movies and shows.
Note: this article was originally published on November 17, 2023, and updated on September 23, 2024, with the latest information about Thunderbolts.
