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

Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts movie remains largely mysterious, but a recent Big Game trailer offers a glimpse into the film. While plot details remain scarce, the trailer provides a clearer look at Lewis Pullman as Bob, aka The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero finally makes his MCU debut, promising a significant threat to the world.

Who is The Sentry, and why is he both the Marvel Universe's greatest hero and its worst nightmare? Let's delve into the history of this mentally unstable hero and explore his potential role in Thunderbolts. This article covers:

• 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

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

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 named Bob Reynolds, he consumed a serum granting him "the power of a million exploding suns." This immense power comes at a terrible cost: a dark, malevolent alter ego known as The Void. For every good deed The Sentry performs, The Void commits an equally evil act. Bob Reynolds's struggle against his inner darkness is a constant, losing battle. Yet, when a powerful hero is needed, none are better suited than The Sentry.

The Sentry’s Powers and Abilities

The Sentry's abilities stem from an experimental serum—one of many created as a potential Super Soldier Serum replacement after World War II. This serum reportedly accelerates his molecules forward in time. In practice, this translates to incredible strength rivaling the Hulk and Thor, flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near invulnerability. He can absorb and project energy, enabling feats like energy blasts, teleportation, and subduing the Hulk. In terms of power, The Sentry is Marvel's answer to Superman.

The Void, however, is arguably even more powerful and dangerous. This shape-shifting, demonic entity controls weather, infests minds, and has withstood the combined might of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. Even being thrown into 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 Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, and Jae Lee, The Sentry debuted in the 2000 miniseries. The series presents him as a forgotten hero from the Marvel Universe's past, even to Bob Reynolds himself—a middle-aged, overweight man who doesn't initially remember his heroic past as "The Golden Guardian of Good."

Bob regains his memories and becomes The Sentry again, only to find his nemesis, The Void, has returned. The series establishes The Sentry's history with characters like the Hulk and Fantastic Four, retroactively inserting him into Marvel continuity. Ultimately, The Sentry and The Void are revealed as two sides of the same coin. The world forgot The Sentry to protect itself from The Void, and Bob repeats this act to keep his dark side at bay, ambiguously erasing the world's memory of The Sentry, leaving the question of his own memory uncertain.

The Sentry As an Avenger

While the original The Sentry miniseries was self-contained, the character later played a recurring role. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, alongside Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage. He's depicted as a self-imposed prisoner of The Raft, intervening in a supervillain breakout and reluctantly joining the team. Despite being a powerful asset, he struggles to maintain his sanity and control The Void.

During the Civil War, he sided with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, demonstrating an understanding of the dangers of unchecked power. He also played a crucial role in protecting the world from the Hulk in World War Hulk.

However, his downfall began in Dark Reign (2009). Norman Osborn recruits him for the Dark Avengers, manipulating him to serve alongside villains. The Void is unleashed in Siege (2010), leading to a battle against Asgard and The Sentry's death. He's since been resurrected and killed again, with ongoing stories exploring his powers and the nature of The Sentry and The Void. His most recent death occurred in 2020's King in Black, and Marvel's 2023 The Sentry series explores a new host for his power.

How The Sentry Fits Into the Thunderbolts Movie

The Sentry has had limited exposure outside of comics, appearing in some mobile games. Lewis Pullman's casting marks his MCU debut. He won't star in a solo film or series (yet), but appears in 2025's Thunderbolts alongside Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian.

His exact role remains unclear, but given his comic book history, he'll likely be portrayed as both a powerful hero and a terrifying villain. He might initially be a member of the Thunderbolts, only to become their worst nightmare when he loses control. His immense power would pose a monumental challenge for the team.

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

The Thunderbolts: The Tumultuous History of Marvel's Twisted Super-Team

It's unknown if the MCU will explore The Sentry's forgotten history and deep ties to the superhero community, or how much it will lean on his Superman analogue. More will be revealed as Thunderbolts' 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 about Thunderbolts.