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 look at Lewis Pullman as Bob, aka The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero's MCU debut promises significant ramifications.

Who is The Sentry, and why is he both the Marvel Universe's greatest champion and its most terrifying nemesis? Let's explore this mentally unstable hero's history and potential role in Thunderbolts.

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

The Sentry is arguably the Marvel Universe's most potent, yet perilous, superhero. Once an ordinary man named Bob Reynolds, he consumed a serum granting him "the power of a million exploding suns." This power, however, comes with a terrible price: The Void, a dark, malevolent alter ego. For every good deed The Sentry performs, The Void commits an equally evil act. Bob Reynolds' struggle against his inner demons is a constant, losing battle. Yet, when a powerful hero is needed, none surpasses The Sentry.

The Sentry's Powers and Abilities

The Sentry's abilities stem from an experimental serum, a potential Super Soldier Serum replacement developed post-World War II. This serum reportedly accelerates his molecules forward in time. Consequently, The Sentry possesses immense strength, rivaling the Hulk and Thor, alongside flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near-invulnerability. His energy absorption and projection capabilities allow energy blasts, teleportation, and even subduing the Hulk. In terms of power, The Sentry is Marvel's equivalent of Superman.

The Void, however, is arguably even more formidable. This shape-shifting, demonic entity controls weather, manipulates 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 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—a middle-aged, overweight man—had no memory of his past as "The Golden Guardian of Good."

Upon regaining his memories, The Sentry confronts The Void's return. His history with figures like the Hulk and Fantastic Four is established, retroactively 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 control his dark side, leaving the question of his own memory ambiguous.

The Sentry as an Avenger

While the original The Sentry miniseries was self-contained, the character later appeared in the Marvel Universe. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, alongside Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage.

Initially a self-imposed prisoner at The Raft, The Sentry intervened in a supervillain breakout and reluctantly joined the team. Despite his power, he battled to maintain sanity and contain The Void. During the Civil War, he sided with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, demonstrating his awareness of unchecked power's dangers. He also played a crucial role in thwarting the Hulk in World War Hulk.

His downfall began in Dark Reign (2009), where Norman Osborn recruited him for the "Dark Avengers." Osborn's manipulation led The Sentry to serve alongside villains. However, Osborn's gamble failed, unleashing The Void in Siege (2010). The Avengers, led by Steve Rogers, ultimately defeated Osborn, but at the cost of The Sentry's life.

The Sentry has since been resurrected and killed multiple times. The 2023 The Sentry series explores a new host for his power, leaving the future of The Sentry and The Void uncertain.

The Sentry's Role in Thunderbolts

Beyond comic books and appearances in games like Marvel Puzzle Quest, Marvel Future Fight, and Marvel Snap, The Sentry will debut in the MCU's Thunderbolts (2025), portrayed by Lewis Pullman. While a solo project remains unannounced, his appearance alongside Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian is confirmed.

The Sentry's precise role in Thunderbolts is unclear. However, his comic book history suggests a portrayal as both a powerful hero and a terrifying villain. Will he initially be a member of the Thunderbolts, only to become their worst nightmare? His immense power would certainly pose a significant challenge to the team.

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

The film's handling of The Sentry's forgotten past and his connection to other heroes, as well as its exploration of his Superman-esque nature, remains to be seen. More details will emerge 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 about Thunderbolts*.