Marvel's eagerly anticipated Thunderbolts* movie remains a tantalizing mystery, but the latest Big Game trailer has given fans another glimpse. While it doesn't reveal much about the plot, it does offer a clearer view of Lewis Pullman stepping into the role of Bob, also known as The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero is finally making his debut in the MCU, and with his arrival, the stakes are raised to a terrifying new level.
Who is The Sentry, and why does he embody both the pinnacle of heroism and the depths of nightmare within the Marvel Universe? Let's delve into the complex history of this mentally unstable hero and explore how he might fit into the narrative of Thunderbolts*. Here, we cover the following topics:
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 his immense powers after consuming a serum that granted him "the power of a million exploding suns." However, this incredible power comes with a severe downside: a dark alter ego known as The Void. For every heroic act The Sentry performs, The Void unleashes an evil deed, creating a constant battle within Bob to maintain his sanity. Despite this internal struggle, when a crisis demands a hero of unparalleled strength, The Sentry is the one to call.
The Sentry's Powers and Abilities
The Sentry's abilities derive from an experimental serum, designed as a potential successor to the Super Soldier Serum post-World War II. This serum propels his molecules an instant forward in time, endowing him with a vast array of powers. As The Sentry, Bob possesses strength rivaling that of Hulk and Thor, along with the ability to fly, move at incredible speeds, and boast enhanced senses. He is nearly invulnerable, capable of absorbing and projecting energy, which allows him to perform feats such as firing energy blasts, teleporting, and even calming a rampaging Hulk. In essence, The Sentry is Marvel's counterpart to DC's Superman.
As The Void, Bob's powers take on a darker and even more formidable form. This shape-shifting, demonic entity can manipulate weather, infest minds, and has withstood the combined forces of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. Even banishing The Void to the sun has only offered temporary relief.
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
The Sentry was brought to life by Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, and Jae Lee, debuting in the 2000 miniseries, The Sentry. The story introduces him as a forgotten hero from the Marvel Universe's past, with even Bob Reynolds, a middle-aged, overweight married man, unaware of his heroic alter ego, The Golden Guardian of Good. As Bob regains his memories and transforms back into The Sentry, his nemesis, The Void, resurfaces as well. The series weaves The Sentry's history with iconic characters like Hulk and the Fantastic Four, retroactively integrating him into Marvel's continuity.
The narrative reveals that The Sentry and The Void are two sides of the same coin. To protect the world from The Void's wrath, the collective memory of The Sentry was erased. Bob realizes he must repeat this sacrifice to keep his dark side at bay, leaving it ambiguous whether he himself retains any memory of his dual identity.
Art by Bryan Hitch. (Image Credit: Marvel)
The Sentry As an Avenger
Initially a standalone character, The Sentry eventually became a recurring figure in the Marvel Universe. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, teaming up with Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage. The Sentry, a self-imposed prisoner on The Raft, intervenes during a massive supervillain jailbreak, leading to his reluctant inclusion in the team. Despite his immense power, he struggles to maintain his sanity and control The Void.
During the 2006 Civil War, The Sentry aligns with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, understanding the perils of unchecked power. He plays a crucial role in World War Hulk (2007), protecting the world from Hulk's fury. However, his downfall begins with Dark Reign (2009), where Norman Osborn manipulates him into joining the Dark Avengers alongside villains like Bullseye and Venom. Osborn's control over The Sentry proves fleeting, culminating in the catastrophic Siege (2010), where The Sentry's life is sacrificed to save Asgard.
Since then, The Sentry has faced repeated cycles of resurrection and death, with new narratives exploring the complexities of his powers and the duality of his nature. The 2023 series delves into what happens when The Sentry's powers seek a new host, raising questions about the new bearer's ability to handle The Void.
Art by Olivier Coipel. (Image Credit: Marvel)
*How The Sentry Fits Into the Thunderbolts Movie**
Outside of comics, The Sentry has had limited exposure, appearing in mobile games like Marvel Puzzle Quest and Marvel Snap. However, his presence is set to expand with Lewis Pullman's portrayal in the MCU's Thunderbolts*. Originally, Steven Yeun was cast as The Sentry, but scheduling conflicts following the movie's delay from the 2024 release slate led to Pullman's casting. Thunderbolts* will feature familiar MCU characters like Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian.
While the exact role of The Sentry in Thunderbolts* remains unclear, his comic history suggests a narrative that will highlight his dual nature as both a hero and a villain. The film might depict The Sentry initially as a member of the Thunderbolts, only to become their greatest threat when he loses control. The relatively less powerful lineup of the Thunderbolts would face a significant challenge in confronting The Sentry.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine could play a role akin to Norman Osborn's in the Dark Avengers comics, exploiting The Sentry's power until her control slips. If Thunderbolts* mirrors the dynamics of DC's Suicide Squad, The Sentry might parallel the Enchantress character.
It remains to be seen whether the MCU will explore The Sentry's forgotten hero status and his deep connections to other superheroes. Will he be established as a character who was once active in the MCU? And how will the film address his resemblance to DC's Superman? These questions will be answered as we approach the May 2025 release date of Thunderbolts*.
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For more insights into the future of the MCU, check out our detailed analysis of the Deadpool & Wolverine ending and stay updated on all 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.*
