Lewis Pullman's "Bob" in Thunderbolts: Unveiling Marvel's Sentry

Marvel's upcoming *Thunderbolts* movie continues to captivate fans, with the latest Big Game trailer offering a tantalizing glimpse into the film. While the plot remains a closely guarded secret, the trailer does provide a clearer look at Lewis Pullman's portrayal of Bob, aka The Sentry, a character who is both a Superman-esque hero and a potential harbinger of doom for the MCU.

Who is The Sentry, and why does he embody both the pinnacle of heroism and the depths of terror in the Marvel Universe? Let's delve into the complex history of this mentally unstable hero and explore how he might shape the narrative of Thunderbolts. Here's what we'll cover:

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

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Who Is Lewis Pullman’s Thunderbolts Character, The Sentry?

The Sentry, also known as Bob Reynolds, is arguably the most powerful yet perilous superhero in the Marvel Universe. After consuming an experimental serum that bestowed upon him "the power of a million exploding suns," Bob became The Sentry. However, this immense power comes with a sinister counterpart, The Void, which counteracts every heroic act with an evil deed. Bob's constant battle to maintain his sanity against this dark alter ego makes him a volatile force, yet an invaluable ally when the world faces dire threats.

The Sentry’s Powers and Abilities

The Sentry's abilities derive from a serum designed as a potential successor to the Super Soldier Serum post-World War II. This serum accelerates his molecules, granting him near-limitless powers. As The Sentry, Bob boasts strength rivaling that of the Hulk and Thor, along with flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near invulnerability. He can also absorb and project energy, enabling feats like energy blasts, teleportation, and even calming a rampaging Hulk. In essence, The Sentry is Marvel's answer to Superman.

As The Void, Bob's powers become even more formidable and terrifying. This demonic entity can shape-shift, control weather, and infest the minds of others. The Void has withstood the combined might of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four, proving that even being thrown into the sun is 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

The Sentry was introduced by Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, and Jae Lee in the 2000 miniseries, The Sentry. The series unveils Bob Reynolds as a forgotten hero, unaware of his past as the "Golden Guardian of Good." As Bob regains his memories, he confronts his nemesis, The Void. The narrative establishes The Sentry's history with characters like the Hulk and the Fantastic Four, retroactively integrating him into Marvel's continuity.

The story reveals that The Sentry and The Void are two sides of the same coin. To shield the world from The Void's wrath, the world's memory of The Sentry was erased. Bob, realizing the necessity, repeats this act to contain his dark side, leaving readers uncertain about his own awareness of his dual identity.

The Sentry As an Avenger

Following the self-contained origin story, The Sentry became a recurring character in the Marvel Universe. He officially joined the Avengers in 2004's New Avengers, teaming up with Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage. Initially a self-imposed prisoner at The Raft, he intervenes during a supervillain breakout and joins the team, though constantly battling to keep The Void at bay.

During the 2006 Civil War, The Sentry aligns with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, understanding the peril of unchecked power. He plays a crucial role in 2007's World War Hulk, protecting the world from the Hulk's fury. However, his downfall begins in 2009's Dark Reign, manipulated by Norman Osborn into joining the "Dark Avengers." This leads to the unleashing of The Void in 2010's Siege, where The Sentry's life is sacrificed to save Asgard.

Since then, The Sentry has faced cycles of resurrection and demise, with ongoing stories exploring his powers and the true nature of his dual identity. His latest resurrection was depicted in the 2023 The Sentry series, raising questions about who will next host his power and whether they too will struggle with The Void.

How The Sentry Fits Into the Thunderbolts Movie

The Sentry has primarily been a comic book character, with minor appearances in mobile games like Marvel Puzzle Quest, Marvel Future Fight, and Marvel Snap. However, his MCU debut is imminent, with Lewis Pullman cast as the Golden Guardian of Good in Thunderbolts. Initially, Steven Yeun was set to play The Sentry, but scheduling conflicts following the movie's delay from 2024 led to Pullman's casting.

Pullman will not star in a solo Sentry project but will join the ensemble cast of Thunderbolts in 2025, alongside MCU veterans like Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes, Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova, and David Harbour's Red Guardian. While the exact role of The Sentry in the film remains unclear, his dual nature as hero and villain is likely to be a central theme. He might start as a Thunderbolts member, only to become their greatest threat when his control slips.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine could mirror Norman Osborn's role in the Dark Avengers, seeing The Sentry as a powerful tool to exploit, only to lose control over him. If Thunderbolts is akin to Suicide Squad, The Sentry could parallel the Enchantress character.

The MCU might also explore The Sentry's forgotten hero status and his deep connections within the superhero community. As we approach the May 2025 release date, more details will emerge about how Thunderbolts will portray this complex character and his ties to the broader Marvel universe.

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For more insights into the MCU's future, explore 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.