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, a.k.a. The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero's MCU debut promises significant repercussions.

Who is The Sentry, and why is he both the Marvel Universe's greatest champion and its most formidable threat? Let's delve into this mentally unstable hero's history and his potential role in Thunderbolts.

Who is Lewis Pullman's Thunderbolts Character, The Sentry?

The Sentry is arguably the Marvel Universe's most powerful, yet most perilous, superhero. Once an ordinary man named Bob Reynolds, he consumed a serum granting him "the power of a million exploding suns." This immense power comes at a steep price: a dark, malevolent alter ego known as The Void. For every heroic act, The Void commits an equally evil deed. Bob Reynolds' struggle against his inner darkness is a constant, losing battle. Yet, when a powerful hero is needed, none surpass The Sentry.

The Sentry's Powers and Abilities

The Sentry's abilities stem from an experimental serum, a potential Super Soldier Serum alternative developed post-World War II. This serum reportedly accelerates his molecules forward in time, resulting in near-limitless powers. His strength rivals the Hulk and Thor; he possesses flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near-invulnerability. He can absorb and project energy, enabling feats such as energy blasts, teleportation, and subduing the Hulk. The Sentry is essentially Marvel's version of Superman.

The Void, however, is arguably even more potent and dangerous. This shape-shifting, demonic entity controls weather, invades minds, and has withstood the combined might of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. Even banishment to the sun proved only a temporary solution.

The Sentry Quick Reference

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 The Sentry miniseries. Initially presented as a forgotten hero, even Bob Reynolds—a middle-aged, overweight man—had no memory of his past as "The Golden Guardian of Good." Upon regaining his memories, he rediscovers his nemesis, The Void. The Sentry's history with the Hulk and Fantastic Four is retroactively integrated 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 suppressed to protect it from The Void. Bob ultimately repeats this act to contain his dark side, erasing the world's memory, though the extent of his own amnesia remains unclear.

The Sentry as an Avenger

While the original The Sentry miniseries was self-contained, the character later became a recurring figure in the Marvel Universe. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, alongside Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage. Despite being a valuable asset, The Sentry constantly battled to maintain his sanity and control The Void.

During the 2006 Civil War, he sided with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, understanding the dangers of unchecked power. He also played a crucial role in countering the Hulk's wrath in 2007's World War Hulk.

However, his downfall began in 2009's Dark Reign. Manipulated by Norman Osborn into joining the "Dark Avengers," The Sentry served alongside villains. Osborn's gamble to control him ultimately failed.

The Void's release during 2010's Siege led to an attack on Asgard. Steve Rogers rallied the Avengers, saving the day but at the cost of The Sentry's life. Subsequent resurrections and deaths have further explored his powers and the duality of The Sentry and The Void. His death in 2020's King in Black and the 2023 The Sentry series explore a new host for his power.

The Sentry's Role in the Thunderbolts Movie

Beyond limited appearances in Marvel games, The Sentry's MCU debut with Lewis Pullman in Thunderbolts is significant. While not starring in a solo project (yet), he joins Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian.

His precise role remains unclear, but his comic book history suggests a portrayal as both hero and villain. Will he initially be a Thunderbolts member, only to become their greatest threat? The team's relatively limited powers make a confrontation with The Sentry a monumental challenge.

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

The film's treatment of The Sentry's forgotten past and his relationship to other heroes, as well as its interpretation of his Superman-esque nature, remains to be seen. More will be revealed as the May 2025 release date approaches.

Note: This article was originally published on November 17, 2023, and updated on September 23, 2024, with the latest information on Thunderbolts*.

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