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

Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts movie remains largely mysterious, but the recent Big Game trailer offered a glimpse into the film, showcasing Lewis Pullman as Bob, aka The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero's MCU debut promises significant upheaval. But who is The Sentry, and why is he considered both the Marvel Universe's greatest hero and its worst nightmare?

This article explores the history of this mentally unstable hero and his potential role in Thunderbolts, covering:

• 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 is arguably the Marvel Universe's most powerful, and most dangerous, superhero. Once an ordinary man named Bob Reynolds, he gained "the power of a million exploding suns" from an experimental serum. This power, however, comes with a terrifying price: a dark alter ego known as The Void. For every good deed The Sentry performs, The Void commits an evil act, making Bob Reynolds' struggle for sanity a constant, losing battle. Yet, when immense power is needed, The Sentry is unparalleled.

The Sentry’s Powers and Abilities

The Sentry's abilities stem from a post-World War II serum, designed as a potential Super Soldier Serum alternative. This serum supposedly accelerates his molecules forward in time, granting him incredible strength rivaling the Hulk and Thor, flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near invulnerability. He can also absorb and project energy, enabling feats like energy blasts, teleportation, and even subduing the Hulk. He's essentially Marvel's answer to Superman.

As The Void, however, Bob becomes even more powerful and dangerous. The Void is a shapeshifting, demonic entity capable of weather manipulation and mind control. He's withstood the combined might of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four, proving even solar imprisonment 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 The Sentry miniseries. Initially presented as a forgotten hero, even Bob Reynolds himself had no memory of his past as "The Golden Guardian of Good." Upon regaining his memories, he rediscovers his nemesis, The Void. His history with characters like 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 erased to protect it from The Void. Bob ultimately repeats this act to contain his dark side, leaving the question of his own memory ambiguous.

The Sentry As an Avenger

Beyond the initial miniseries, The Sentry became a recurring Marvel character. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, a revamped team including Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage. Despite his power, he struggled to maintain his sanity and control The Void.

During the Civil War, he sided with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, highlighting his understanding of unchecked power's dangers. He played a crucial role in stopping the Hulk in World War Hulk. However, his downfall began in Dark Reign, joining Norman Osborn's "Dark Avengers," ultimately leading to The Void's unleashing in Siege.

Since then, The Sentry has been resurrected and killed multiple times. The 2023 The Sentry series explores the implications of his power seeking a new host. His latest death occurred in 2020's King in Black.

How The Sentry Fits Into the Thunderbolts Movie

The Sentry's MCU debut marks his first significant appearance outside of comics and mobile games. Lewis Pullman's casting is noteworthy, especially considering Steven Yeun's initial casting and subsequent departure due to scheduling conflicts and the film's release date shift.

While not headlining his own film, The Sentry will appear alongside familiar MCU faces in 2025's Thunderbolts. His role remains unclear, but his comic book history suggests he'll be both a powerful hero and a terrifying villain. He may start as a Thunderbolt, only to become their worst nightmare.

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Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might manipulate The Sentry, mirroring Norman Osborn's actions in the Dark Avengers comics. The Sentry could potentially function as the film's version of the Enchantress from Suicide Squad. His retroactive integration into the MCU and his Superman-esque nature remain to be seen.

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