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

Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts film remains largely mysterious, but the recent Big Game trailer offers a glimpse into the MCU team-up. While plot details are scarce, the trailer provides a clearer look at Lewis Pullman as Bob Reynolds, aka The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero's MCU debut promises significant, potentially terrifying, consequences.

This article explores The Sentry's complex nature – simultaneously the Marvel Universe's greatest hero and its worst nightmare – delving into his history and potential role in Thunderbolts. Here's what we'll cover:

The Sentry's Identity and Abilities The Sentry's Origin Story The Sentry as an Avenger The Sentry's Place in Thunderbolts

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Who is Lewis Pullman's Thunderbolts Character?

The Sentry is arguably the Marvel Universe's most powerful, and most dangerous, superhero. Once an ordinary man, Bob Reynolds, he gained "the power of a million exploding suns" from an experimental serum. This power, however, comes with a terrifying cost: The Void, a malevolent alter ego that mirrors The Sentry's good deeds with acts of evil. Bob's struggle to control his inner darkness is 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-WWII experimental serum, designed as a potential Super Soldier Serum alternative. The serum supposedly accelerates his molecular structure, granting him immense strength rivaling the Hulk and Thor, flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near invulnerability. He can manipulate and project energy, teleporting and even subduing the Hulk. He's essentially Marvel's version of Superman.

The Void, however, is arguably even more potent. This shape-shifting entity controls weather, manipulates minds, and has withstood attacks from the combined forces of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. Even banishing him to the sun proves only a temporary solution.

The Sentry Quick Facts

First Appearance: The Sentry #1 (2000)

Creators: Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, & Jae Lee

Aliases: The Void, Golden Man, The Golden Guardian of Good

Team Affiliations: (formerly) New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, Dark Avengers

Essential Reading: The Sentry Vol. 1, Age of the Sentry, Dark Avengers, Siege

The Sentry's Secret Origin

Created by Jenkins, Veitch, and Lee, The Sentry debuted in the 2000 miniseries. Initially presented as a forgotten hero, even Bob Reynolds himself initially lacked memory of his past as "The Golden Guardian of Good." Upon regaining his memories, he confronts The Void's return. His history with figures like the Hulk and Fantastic Four is retroactively woven 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, leaving the question of his own memory ambiguous.

The Sentry as an Avenger

While initially a self-contained story, The Sentry became a recurring Marvel character. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, aiding in a supervillain prison break and reluctantly joining the team. His struggle to maintain sanity and control The Void continued.

During the Civil War, he sided with Iron Man, understanding the dangers of unchecked power. He played a crucial role against the Hulk in World War Hulk. However, his downfall began in Dark Reign, where Norman Osborn manipulated him into joining the "Dark Avengers." Osborn's gamble to control him ultimately failed.

The Void's release in Siege (2010) led to a major conflict, culminating in The Sentry's apparent death. Subsequent resurrections and deaths, along with new stories, continue to explore his powers and the true nature of his duality. His most recent death occurred in 2020's King in Black, and a 2023 series explores a new host for his power.

The Sentry's Role in Thunderbolts

Beyond limited appearances in Marvel games, The Sentry's MCU debut with Lewis Pullman in Thunderbolts marks a significant step. While not starring in his own film (yet), he joins familiar faces like Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian.

His exact role remains uncertain, but his comic book history suggests a blend of powerful hero and terrifying villain. He might initially be a member of the Thunderbolts, only to become their ultimate threat. Given the team's relatively lower power levels, confronting The Sentry would be a monumental challenge.

Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might play a role similar to Norman Osborn, exploiting The Sentry's power before losing control. The Sentry could function as the film's equivalent of Suicide Squad's Enchantress.

Whether the MCU will explore his forgotten past and connection to other heroes, and how closely it will mirror DC's Superman, remains to be seen. More details will emerge closer to the May 2025 release.

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