Marvel's The Sentry Explained: Who Is Lewis Pullman's \"Bob\" In Thunderbolts?

Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts film remains enigmatic, but the recent Big Game trailer offers a glimpse into the MCU team-up. While plot details remain scarce, the trailer provides a clearer view of Lewis Pullman as Bob, aka The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero's MCU debut promises significant, potentially terrifying, consequences.

This article explores The Sentry's complex nature – simultaneously the Marvel Universe's greatest hero and its worst nightmare. We'll delve into his history, abilities, and potential role within the Thunderbolts plot.

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, Bob Reynolds, he gained immense power from a serum, described as "the power of a million exploding suns." This power, however, comes with a devastating price: a dark alter ego known as The Void. The Sentry's struggle to control The Void and maintain his sanity is a constant, losing battle. Yet, when a powerful hero is needed, none are better suited.

The Sentry's Powers and Abilities

The Sentry's abilities derive from an experimental serum, a post-WWII attempt to replicate the Super Soldier Serum. The serum supposedly accelerates his molecules forward in time, granting him near-limitless powers. His strength rivals the Hulk and Thor; he possesses flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near-invulnerability. Energy absorption and projection allow him to unleash energy blasts, teleport, and even subdue the Hulk. Essentially, he's Marvel's version of Superman.

The Void, however, is arguably even more powerful and dangerous. This shape-shifting entity controls weather, manipulates minds, and has withstood the combined forces 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 Jenkins, Veitch, and Lee, The Sentry debuted in the 2000 miniseries. Initially presented as a forgotten hero, even Bob Reynolds initially lacked memory of his heroic past. Upon regaining his memories, he confronts The Void's return. His history with the Hulk and Fantastic Four is retroactively established, integrating him into Marvel continuity.

The Sentry and The Void are revealed as two sides of the same coin. The world's collective memory of The Sentry was erased to protect it from The Void. Bob repeats this act to contain his dark side, leaving ambiguous whether he retains his own memories of his superhuman identities.

The Sentry as an Avenger

Beyond the initial miniseries, The Sentry became a recurring character. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, assisting in a supervillain jailbreak and reluctantly joining the team. Despite his power, he struggles with sanity and The Void.

During the Civil War, he sided with Iron Man, understanding the dangers of unchecked power. He played a crucial role against the Hulk in World War Hulk. However, his downfall begins in Dark Reign, joining Norman Osborn's "Dark Avengers," manipulated to serve alongside villains. The Void's unleashing in Siege leads to The Sentry's apparent death. Subsequent resurrections and deaths, along with new stories, continue to explore his powers and the duality of The Sentry and The Void. He was killed again in 2020's King in Black. Marvel's 2023 The Sentry series explores a new host for his power.

How The Sentry Fits into the Thunderbolts Movie

The Sentry's MCU debut marks a significant shift from his primarily comic book presence (excluding appearances in mobile games). Lewis Pullman's casting follows Steven Yeun's departure due to scheduling conflicts and the film's release date shift.

He'll appear in Thunderbolts, alongside Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian. His exact role remains unclear, but his comic book history suggests a portrayal as both hero and terrifying villain. He might initially be a team member, later becoming their greatest threat. His immense power would certainly pose a monumental challenge to the Thunderbolts.

Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might play a role similar to Norman Osborn, exploiting The Sentry's power before losing control. If Thunderbolts mirrors Suicide Squad, The Sentry could be the film's Enchantress equivalent.

The film's handling of The Sentry's forgotten past and his connection to other heroes remains unknown. His portrayal as a twisted Superman analogue is also yet to be seen. More 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*.