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 Reynolds, aka The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero's MCU debut promises significant repercussions.
Who is The Sentry, and why is he both the Marvel Universe's greatest champion and its most terrifying threat? Let's delve into the history of this mentally unstable hero and his potential role in Thunderbolts.
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, Bob Reynolds, he consumed a serum granting him "the power of a million exploding suns." This immense power comes at a terrible price: a dark alter ego, The Void. For every good deed The Sentry performs, The Void commits an equally evil act. Bob's struggle against his inner darkness is a constant, losing battle. Yet, when a powerful hero is needed, none surpass 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.
As The Sentry, Bob possesses strength rivaling the Hulk and Thor, flight, superhuman speed, enhanced senses, and near-invulnerability. He can absorb and project energy, enabling feats like energy blasts, teleportation, and subduing the Hulk. In essence, he's Marvel's equivalent of Superman.
The Void, however, is arguably even more potent and dangerous. This shapeshifting, demonic entity controls weather, invades minds, and has withstood the combined forces of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. Even banishing him to 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. 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, Bob becomes The Sentry, only to find his nemesis, The Void, has returned. The Sentry's history with the Hulk and Fantastic Four is retroactively established, integrating him into Marvel continuity.
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. Bob ultimately repeats this act to contain his dark side, erasing the world's memory of The Sentry, though his own memory remains ambiguous.
The Sentry as an Avenger
While the original Sentry miniseries was self-contained, the character later became a recurring figure in the Marvel Universe. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, alongside Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage.
Despite being a powerful asset, The Sentry constantly battles to maintain his sanity and suppress The Void. During the Civil War, he sided with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, demonstrating his understanding of the dangers of unchecked power. He also played a crucial role in countering the Hulk in World War Hulk.
However, his downfall began in Dark Reign (2009). Manipulated by Norman Osborn, The Sentry joined the "Dark Avengers," serving alongside villains. Osborn's gamble to control The Sentry ultimately failed.
The Void was unleashed in Siege (2010), prompting Steve Rogers to rally the Avengers and save Asgard, though at the cost of The Sentry's life. Since then, The Sentry has been resurrected and killed multiple times. The 2023 The Sentry series explores a new host for The Sentry's power and the ongoing burden of The Void.
The Sentry's Role in the Thunderbolts Movie
The Sentry's appearances have been limited to Marvel comics and mobile games. Lewis Pullman's casting marks his MCU debut. While not starring in a solo film (yet), he will appear in Thunderbolts (2025) alongside Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian.
The Sentry's exact role remains unclear, but his comic book history suggests he'll be both a powerful hero and a terrifying villain. Will he initially be a member of the Thunderbolts, only to become their worst enemy? His presence would certainly pose a monumental challenge for the team.
Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might manipulate The Sentry, similar to Norman Osborn's actions in Dark Avengers. If Thunderbolts mirrors Suicide Squad, The Sentry could be the film's equivalent of Enchantress.
The MCU's handling of The Sentry's forgotten past and his relationship to other heroes remains unknown. The extent to which he will be portrayed as a twisted parallel to DC's Superman is also uncertain. 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.
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