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 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 upheaval.

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

The Sentry: Unveiling Lewis Pullman's Character

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 equally evil act. Bob Reynolds' 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 originate from an experimental serum, a post-WWII attempt to replicate the Super Soldier Serum. This serum reportedly accelerates his molecules forward in time, granting him near-limitless powers. His strength rivals the Hulk and Thor; he possesses flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near-invulnerability. Energy absorption and projection allow him to unleash energy blasts, teleport, and even subdue the Hulk. Essentially, he's Marvel's answer to Superman.

The Void, however, is arguably even more potent and perilous. This shapeshifting, 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 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. His 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 erased to protect it from The Void. Bob repeats this act to contain his dark side, leaving the question of his own memory ambiguous.

The Sentry as an Avenger

While the original miniseries was self-contained, The Sentry became a recurring character. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, alongside Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage. Despite his power, he constantly battles to maintain sanity and control The Void.

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

His downfall began in Dark Reign (2009), where Norman Osborn manipulated him into joining the Dark Avengers. Osborn's gamble to control The Sentry failed, unleashing The Void in Siege (2010). The Sentry's death followed, though he's been resurrected and killed multiple times since, including in King in Black (2020). Marvel's 2023 The Sentry series explores a new host for The Sentry's power.

The Sentry's Role in Thunderbolts

Beyond limited appearances in mobile games, The Sentry's MCU debut with Lewis Pullman in Thunderbolts (2025) is significant. While not starring in a solo film (yet), he joins Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian.

His exact role remains unclear, but his comic book history suggests a blend of hero and villain. Will he be a Thunderbolt who becomes their ultimate enemy? His immense power would certainly pose a monumental challenge.

Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might manipulate him, mirroring Norman Osborn's actions in the comics. If Thunderbolts is a Marvel version of Suicide Squad, The Sentry could be the Enchantress equivalent.

The film's handling of his forgotten past and his Superman-esque nature remains to be seen. More details will emerge closer to the May 2025 release.

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

11 Images